Blowing the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" 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 have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."