Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an premature end.

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

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

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

"I hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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