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

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, 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 hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "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."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You 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 ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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