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

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

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying 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 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 media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted 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 seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

"You be so proud 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 ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport 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 my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue 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 poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."