Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

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

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate 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 "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You should 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 impact on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport 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 personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

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

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create 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 honestly believe that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."