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

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.

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

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

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

"During a extended period you just learn 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 speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

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

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," 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 finished 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 dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."