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

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says 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 rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

"You should be so proud 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 effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

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

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."