Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my career - Burrell

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some 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 disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over 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 nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant attention on inclusion 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 continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. 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 died recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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