Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature end.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a extended period 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 explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

"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 father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."