Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my career - Burrell

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

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

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination 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 traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate 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 governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given considerable focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

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

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

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their story 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 obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"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 transformed things for me."