Sounding the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his career to an early 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 exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

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

"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"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 eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

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

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."