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

Important note: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

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

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "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 discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

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

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

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's 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 lives, just as it transformed things for me."