Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

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

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

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

"Over a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

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

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

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

"I know it has had this impact 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 dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

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

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."