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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been disguised 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 norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended 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 production of the film, and his sister died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for 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 talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."