Sounding the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

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

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to reporters.

"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."

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

Burrell told media he also encountered 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 several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen 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 elite level."

"We has given significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

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

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

"You be so pleased 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 impact on you and finished your playing days, 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 dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."