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

Important note: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

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

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

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

"I really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

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

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "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 professional game."

"We has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect 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 Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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