Blowing the alarm on racism ended my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages 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 a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

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

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

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

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend 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 about his experiences.

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."