Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination ended my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations underway.

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

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

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

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

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

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter 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 begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

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 sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You should be so pleased 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 impact 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 died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."