Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my career - Burrell

Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted 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 myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable 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 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 "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

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

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

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told 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 achieved so well. We are so proud 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 passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

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

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