Blowing the alarm on racism terminated my career - Burrell

Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

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

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

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

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

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" 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 film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."