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

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

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

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

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

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

"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 finished your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization works to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."