Blowing the alarm on racial discrimination ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an early end.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test 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.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a period of time 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 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 your shackles were."

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

"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."