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

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

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

"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," 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 inquiries going on.

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

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period 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 finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has given considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

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

All England players, including youth 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 told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

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

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

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

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.

"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities 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 the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."