Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my career - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game 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 inappropriate."

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

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

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."