Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject 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 have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

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

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 myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream 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 significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

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

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

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

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

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