Blowing the whistle on racism ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

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

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject 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've have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

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

"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence 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 debut in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is fine 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 "enslaved person" and instructed 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 "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level 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 in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained 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 said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

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

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

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