Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature end.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate 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 "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

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

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

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

"I take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"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."