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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

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

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

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem 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 "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation works 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 intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."