Blowing the alarm on racism cut short my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

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

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

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

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support 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 game and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."