Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

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

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

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

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

"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a period of time 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 explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.

"You be so proud 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 effect 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 son."

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

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary 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 fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."