Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my career - Burrell

Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an premature end.

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

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

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

"I wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

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

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

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

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

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

"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable 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 referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream 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 introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene 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 effect on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."