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

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

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

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

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

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate 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 governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling died recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

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

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