Blowing the whistle on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some 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 disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred 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 professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

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

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," 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 finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."