Sounding the alarm on racism cut short my career - Burrell

Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.

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

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

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the field with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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