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

Important note: This piece contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed 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've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told media outlets.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" 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 introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

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

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

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

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

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

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