Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

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

"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

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

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

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

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sibling died recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."