Blowing the alarm on racism ended my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

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

"I hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice 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 several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"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.

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

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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