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

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

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

"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.

"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice 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 distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. 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 film, and his sibling died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue bearing this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."