Sounding the whistle on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

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

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

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

"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called 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 environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film 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 much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."