Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances 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 carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told 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 eyes, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization works to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

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