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

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling 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 have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

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

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over 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 nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on creating welcoming environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved 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 documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

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

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

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