Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my career - Burrell

Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice 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 traumatic 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"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 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 heritage.

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "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 elite level."

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

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

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

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."