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

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

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

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

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

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

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

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

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

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

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

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

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."