Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I 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 impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

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

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."