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

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

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

In a June 2022, 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 out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations going on.

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

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

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

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, 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 sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

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

"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and ended 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 father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

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

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."