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

Important note: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.

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

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations going on.

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

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

Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.

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

"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.

All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in 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 film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.

"We 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 died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.

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

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.

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

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

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