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

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed 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 invitational side the Barbarians.

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

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

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

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

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

"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to 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 environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

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

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

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

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

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I know it has had this impact 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 son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."