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

Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

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

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

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

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

"This is something that has been disguised as banter 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 fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

"You 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 career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."