Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my career - Burrell

Warning: This piece includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

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

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so proud 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 ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing 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 others will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."