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

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

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

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

"You should be so proud 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 finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."