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

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he told media outlets.

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

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to 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 "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

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

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

"You should 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.

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

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."