Sounding the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

Racism had become accepted in team environments, 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 heritage.

"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

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