Blowing the whistle on racism cut short my career - Burrell

Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed 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 went on," he told reporters.

"I hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.

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

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

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

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

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."