Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

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

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough evidence 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 win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic 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 view.

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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 action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

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

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have done," 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 playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

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