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

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby 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 media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation 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 proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.

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

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own stories as well.

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

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."