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

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

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering 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 have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

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

"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 explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. 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 documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep 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 underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."