Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my career - Burrell

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, 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 went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole 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 gather enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so proud of what you have done," 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 finished 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 father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and continue bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."