Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my career - Burrell

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he told reporters.

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

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

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

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

"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is 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 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 spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

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

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth 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 Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"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 son."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the field with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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