Blowing the whistle on racism cut short my professional journey - Luther Burrell

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told media outlets.

"I hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation 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 undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

"You be so proud 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 career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."