Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications 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 three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

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

"That was challenging - I had to just 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 claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

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

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."