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

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

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

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

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

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

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

Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of 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 dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge 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 attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."