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

Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

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

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

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

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

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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 strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

"We know it has had this effect 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 family member."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue 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 excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."