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

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sibling died recently.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."