Sounding the alarm on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

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

FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough proof to definitively 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 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

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

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."