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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

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

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed 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 died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities 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 honestly believe that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."