Blowing the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

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 playing for 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 went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

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

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

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

"Some discrimination and other 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 dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told 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 culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

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

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

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."