Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.

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

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

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game 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 unacceptable."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to believe 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 go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

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

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

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

Burrell's father 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 Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"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 feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."