Sounding the alarm on racism ended my career - Burrell

Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 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 retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

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

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

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

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

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

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

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 under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."