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

Warning: This article contains details of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering 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 invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire process 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 said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred 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 your shackles were."

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

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

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."