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

Important note: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing 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 a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

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

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

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

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called 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 "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"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.

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

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue 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 excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."