Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination ended my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 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 explained to media outlets.

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

"That was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says 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 arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

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

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."