Blowing the alarm on racism cut short my career - Burrell

Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."