Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications 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 three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a extended period 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 eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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 strategy for the professional game."

"We has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

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

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

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

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