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

Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour

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

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

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

"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to think 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 team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

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

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in 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 film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."