Blowing the alarm on racism cut short my career - Burrell

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an premature end.

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 playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

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

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

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

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an obligation 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 sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."