Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

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

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

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

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"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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

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

"Over a period of time you just begin 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 go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing 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 fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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