Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.

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

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

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

"I really wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "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 introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

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

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities 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 believe that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."