Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying 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 elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

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

Racism had become accepted 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 personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated 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 rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

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

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. 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 passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."