Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Burrell

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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 personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

"You should be so pleased 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 achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."