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

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

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

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

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

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

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority 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."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging 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.

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

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

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