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

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

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

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

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

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

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in 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 effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause 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 fellow players will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."