Blowing the alarm on racism ended my career - Burrell

Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his career to an early end.

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

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

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

"I wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You should be so proud of what you have done," 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 finished your playing days, 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 dad Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing 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 hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."