Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling 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 a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

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

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

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

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done 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, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."