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

Important note: This piece includes details of discriminatory language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.

Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.

"I have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he told media outlets.

"I wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.

"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."

A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.

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

"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.

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

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

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

"Over 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 explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed 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 professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."

"We has placed considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."

Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked 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 conduct.

"You 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 effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."

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

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.

"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.

"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."