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

Warning: This piece includes details of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for 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 definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated 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 told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."