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

Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for 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 occurred," he explained to reporters.

"I hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.

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

"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains 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 your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.

"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, 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 production of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the field with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their own stories as well.

"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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