Sounding the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe 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 fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

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

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

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

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

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

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.

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

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

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport 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 myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."