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

Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and conduct

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

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other 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 problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During 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 finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has given significant attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

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

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

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