Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my career - Burrell

Warning: This piece contains details of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby 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 recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

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

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

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During 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 speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon 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 open.

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

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for 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 more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."