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

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally 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 malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."