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

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized 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 a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player 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 "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations 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 doing this for my own benefit," he said.

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

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."