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

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

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to 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've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality 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 witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard 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 "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

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

All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."