Blowing the alarm on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I really hoped 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 accept the fate and understand that this whole process 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 gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut 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 accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," 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 says he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity 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 classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

"You should be so pleased 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 impact on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sibling died recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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