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

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed 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 definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

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

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

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

"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.

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

"During a extended period 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 spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

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

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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