Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his career to an premature end.

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"We has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You 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.

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

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

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

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."