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

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations underway.

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

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You should 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.

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."