Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.

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

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

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

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

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

"I've had several traumatic experiences within England camp," 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 dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

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