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

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling 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 invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a period of time 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 says he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

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

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."