Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

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

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

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

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

"I hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

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

Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

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

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" 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 action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You should be so pleased 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 impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."