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

Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling 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 invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

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

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

"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue 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 motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

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

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

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