Blowing the alarm on racism terminated my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

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

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and accept 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 enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 issue that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable 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 referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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