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

Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell revealed to journalists 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 have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

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

The governing body 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 placed significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."