Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying 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 elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment 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 rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after 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 professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told 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 achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

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

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

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

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

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."