Blowing the alarm on racism terminated my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

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

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has given considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist 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 excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."