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

Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering 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 three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

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

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard 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 fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, 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 told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

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

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."