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

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," 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 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 standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" 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 culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

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

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."