Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.

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

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered 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 acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

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

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," 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 confident fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."