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

Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, 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 really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is 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 descent.

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, 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 dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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