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

Important note: This piece contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

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

"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."