Sounding the whistle on racism cut short my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" 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 went on," he explained to media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.

"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.

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

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.

Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.

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