Blowing the whistle on racism terminated my professional journey - Burrell

Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour

FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature end.

In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.

Then 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 retire because of what occurred," he told media outlets.

"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations underway.

"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation 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 collect sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.

Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.

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

"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."

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

"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.

"Over a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."

Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "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 introduction of an action plan for the elite level."

"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.

"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."

Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.

All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.

"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.

"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."

Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.

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

His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.

"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.

"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.

"I take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.

"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."