Sounding the alarm on racism ended my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "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 implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

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

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sibling died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."