Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of racially offensive comments and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to carry on playing, of course 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 simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

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

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

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

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

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

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."