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

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," 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.

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

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 chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

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

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

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."