Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my career - Burrell

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.

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

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

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

"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public 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 revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in 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 finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

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

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."