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

Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject 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 have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.

All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud 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 passed away recently.

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 young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."