Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my career - Burrell

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

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

"This situation was challenging - 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 report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause 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 perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

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

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