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

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

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

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

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

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

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

Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During 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 explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures 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 completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

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

"There are 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."