Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece includes details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an early conclusion.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, 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 occurred," he told media outlets.

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

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told 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 February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

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

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream 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 elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

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

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization aims to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

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

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