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

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I really hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

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

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During 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 motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.

"You should be so pleased 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 eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

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