Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

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

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

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

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

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

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 professional game."

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

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

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

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

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."