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

Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed 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 have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

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

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player 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 focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished 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 dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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