Blowing the whistle on racism cut short my career - Burrell

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling 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 definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered 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 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 sunscreen 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 implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

"I know it has had this effect 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 passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

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

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

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

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

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility 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 economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."