Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

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

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

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

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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 about his experiences.

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."