Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his career to an premature conclusion.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he told reporters.

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

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging 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 effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad 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 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off 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 others is willing to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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