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

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

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

"I've 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"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.

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

"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually motivated 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 governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

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

"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

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

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

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."