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

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During 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 nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"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 transformed things for me."