Blowing the whistle on racial discrimination terminated my professional journey - Luther Burrell

Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.

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

At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.

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

"I really wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.

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

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

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

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

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

"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 begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."

Burrell says he was finally motivated 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 revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."

"We has given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.

"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."

All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.

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

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

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

Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.

"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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