Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This piece includes details of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his career to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject 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've have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

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

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

"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told 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 "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.

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

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

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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