Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my professional journey - Burrell

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

"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 effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

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

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."