Blowing the whistle on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

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

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

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

"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 playing days, 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 died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting 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 honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."