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

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

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

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject 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 guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter 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 begin to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

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

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."