Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

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

"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, 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 witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" 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 "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You should be so proud of what you have done," 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 done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

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

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."