Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

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

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing 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 transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."