Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my career - Burrell

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

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his career to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised 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 myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time 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 fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

"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 effect on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations 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 advocate for 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 talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."