Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Burrell

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

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

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

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

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable 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 called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen 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 elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has given significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged 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."