Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for 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've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.

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

A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

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

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

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

"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

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

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

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