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

Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive language and conduct

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

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

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

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more open.

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."