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

Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed 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've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

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

"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour 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 standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary 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 achieved 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 filming of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."