Blowing the alarm on racism terminated my career - Burrell

Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling 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 three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

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

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."