Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination ended my career - Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

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

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

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

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

Racism had become accepted in team environments, 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 descent.

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

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

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.

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

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

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