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

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing 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 professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has given considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."