Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Luther Burrell

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, 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 happened," he told media outlets.

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

"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

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

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

"This is 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 heritage.

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the field with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."