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

Important note: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour

Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.

In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

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

"I have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he told reporters.

"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries underway.

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

A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.

Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."

Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, 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 heritage.

"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."

Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."

The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."

"The organization has given considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."

Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.

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

"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.

"We 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 proud of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sister passed away recently.

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

His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.

"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.

"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.

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