Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

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

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

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

"I really hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

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

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

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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