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

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive comments 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 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling 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 absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, 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 stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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

"Over a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," 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 done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad 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 Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

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

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."