Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination ended my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of racially offensive comments and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an early end.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

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

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," 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"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 experience.

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

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to 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 revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

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

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."