Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my career - Burrell

Important note: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature end.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

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

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

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

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

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

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

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained 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 told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create 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 rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."