Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination ended my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

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

"I really wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to 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 professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

"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 passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

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

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."