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

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

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

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

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

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some 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 dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out 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 revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

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

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."