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

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out 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 rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

"Over a period of time you just learn 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 spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations 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."

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production 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 aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else 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.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."