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

Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 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"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

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

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream 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 strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told 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 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 documentary, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."