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

Warning: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised 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 myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority 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 given significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so proud 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 effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

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

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

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

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

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."