Blowing the whistle on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying 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 elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued 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 situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter 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 learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, 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 sunscreen 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 culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do 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 poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."