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

Important note: This piece contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

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

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, 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 went on," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

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

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn 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 go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream 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 elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."