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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 problem that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "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 introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You 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 view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."