Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

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

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for 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 talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

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