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

Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an early end.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations going on.

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

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

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told 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 elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sister died recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."