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

Warning: This article contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

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

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

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

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal 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 professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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

"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to 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 achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production 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 game more open.

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

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