Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose 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 sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I really hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

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

"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.

"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

"You be so proud of what you have done," 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 finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production 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 accessible.

His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."