Sounding the whistle on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages 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 three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

"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 heritage.

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" 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 "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

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

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."