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

Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive language and conduct

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for 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 absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told media outlets.

"I hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.

"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

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

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

"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."

Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream 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 elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.

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

"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.

Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.

"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."