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

Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

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

"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.

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

"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," 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 experience.

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

"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "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 elite level."

"We has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level 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 training on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

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

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

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

His charitable organization works to reach children in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for 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 perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."