Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building welcoming cultures, with its success tracked 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 be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished 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 father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"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 fellow players will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game 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 futures, just as it transformed things for me."