Blowing the whistle on racism cut short my professional journey - Luther Burrell

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

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications 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 invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had multiple 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"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 experience.

"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen 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 implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

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

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, 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 father Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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