Blowing the alarm on racism terminated my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

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

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

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

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

"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", 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 team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."