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

Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

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

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed 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 professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored 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 accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

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

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

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

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

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