Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

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

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

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

"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just learn 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 finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

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

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You should 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 effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."