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

Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early 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 without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been disguised 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 think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend 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 ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing 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 hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."