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

Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed 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've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this entire situation 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 enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period you just learn 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 eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"We has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

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

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate 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 help them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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