Sounding the whistle on racism cut short my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing 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 three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

"This is 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.

"During a extended period you just learn 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 eventually 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 arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

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

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

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."