Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed 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 definitely had to retire because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations 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."

"We has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after 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 work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to 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 view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."