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

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

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

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

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

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

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

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared 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 obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."