Blowing the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable 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 called him as a "slave" 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 "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend 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.

"I know it has had this effect 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 family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

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