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

Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

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

"I really hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with 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 accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game 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 accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.

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

"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate 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 "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization works to reach young people in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport 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.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and continue bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged 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."