Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination ended my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger 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 gather enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

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

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."