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

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he told media outlets.

"I hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated 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 Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

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

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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