Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.

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

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

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

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

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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