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

Important note: This piece includes details of discriminatory comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" 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 have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate 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 "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

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

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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 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 playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

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

"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."