Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination cut short my professional journey - Burrell

Warning: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

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

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

A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had several traumatic 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 experience.

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

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

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called 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 revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and ended 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 dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the field with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.

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

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."