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

Warning: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early end.

In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.

Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.

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

"I wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.

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

A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.

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

Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.

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 film about his experiences.

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

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

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

His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.

"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."