Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination ended my career - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

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

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."