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

Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages 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've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

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

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

"It's 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.

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told 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 family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

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