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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering 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've have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures 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 placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their own stories as well.

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

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