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

Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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 experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During 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 "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has placed significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

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

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so pleased 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 career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."