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

Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

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

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised 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 personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, 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 fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."