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

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early end.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate 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 true "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

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

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.

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

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally 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 disclosures 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 diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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

"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

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

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

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