Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination ended my career - Burrell

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

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an early conclusion.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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 problem that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm 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 fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations 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 given significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," 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 ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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