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

Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

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

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

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

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

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

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

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities 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 sincerely think that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."