Sounding the alarm on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.

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

"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 "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally 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 your shackles were."

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

"We has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved 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 documentary, and his sibling died recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

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

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."