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

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his career to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he told media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," 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 nonsense."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" 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 film about his experiences.

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

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

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

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