Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

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

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

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

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," 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 well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

"We have an responsibility 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 sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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