Sounding the whistle on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an early conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

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

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

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

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

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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 considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others 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 responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create 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 think that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."