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

Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour

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

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

At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.

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

"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

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

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

"I've had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he said.

"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"During a period of time you just begin 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 speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."

The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."

"We has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.

All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.

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

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

Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.

Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more open.

His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.

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

"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the bull by the horns and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."