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

Warning: This piece contains details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for 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 really wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate 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 gather sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to think 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 fellow player at Newcastle referred to 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 "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

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

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

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution 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 doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."