Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my career - Burrell

Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" 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 three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell explains 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 chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."