Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an premature end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject 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 went on," he told reporters.

"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.

"I've had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.

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

Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"Over a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look 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 diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

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

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, 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 passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.

His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."