Blowing the alarm on racism cut short my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 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 retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as banter 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 harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done 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 sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."