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

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early 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 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've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told media outlets.

"I really wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively 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 win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"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 proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister died recently.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

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

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

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."