Blowing the alarm on racism ended my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in 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 told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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 strategy for the professional game."

"We has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."