Blowing the alarm on racism ended my career - Burrell

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

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

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

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

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is 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 descent.

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more open.

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

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

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."