Sounding the whistle on racism cut short my career - Luther Burrell

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

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

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

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

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.

"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and seen," 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 acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "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 strategy for the professional game."

"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.

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

"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.

"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."