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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

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

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter 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 begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body 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 elite level."

"The organization has given significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff died 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 game more accessible.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."