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

Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather 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 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

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

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

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

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

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

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

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

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

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

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

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk 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 bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."