Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.

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

"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated 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 international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period 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 "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

"I 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 family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved 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 discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."