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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 disguised as humour and that's been the issue 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 acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate 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 rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable focus 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 added.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

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

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

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

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."