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

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, 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"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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 significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, 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 soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

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

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."