Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for 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've have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he told media outlets.

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

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

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

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

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

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

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

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop 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 sincerely think that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."