Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm 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 fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

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

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."