Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

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

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

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

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

"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

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

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

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

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has placed significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

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

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

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

Burrell's father 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 Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."