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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

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

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

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted 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 personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished 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 died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities 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 rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."