Sounding the alarm on racism ended my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

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

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm 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 fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You should be so proud 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 effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players 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 responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."