Sounding the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 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"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered 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 acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has given significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My 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 continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

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

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."