Sounding the whistle on racism ended my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying 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 professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"That was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.

"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just learn 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 spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told 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 elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given significant attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

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

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

His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

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

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

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

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."