Sounding the alarm on racism terminated my career - Burrell

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying 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 invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically 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 win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's 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 heritage.

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary 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 dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

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

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."