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

Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive language and conduct

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

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

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several traumatic 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 humour and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate 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 rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

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

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities 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 honestly think that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."