Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

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

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

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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

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

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

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out 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 revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

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

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

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

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

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

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

"I take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

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