Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination 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 Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" 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 guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

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

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated 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 said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, 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 filming of the documentary, and his sibling 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 aims to reach young people in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."