Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, 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 media outlets.

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

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

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

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

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."