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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.

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

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

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

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

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised 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 seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

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 chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

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

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."