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

Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

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

"I hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"We has given significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

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

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

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

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."