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

Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" 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 absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

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

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public 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 governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

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

"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film 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 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 council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."