Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"That 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 investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof 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 win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate 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 disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing 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 change their futures, just as it did for me."