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

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his career to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages 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 guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations 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."

"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"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 ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, 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 charitable organization works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

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