Sounding the whistle on racism ended my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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 heritage.

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."