The former player: 'I really wanted to continue playing'
Warning: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his career to an premature end.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.
"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.
"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was surprisingly overlooked for their squad for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.
"I've had several 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.
"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."
"We has placed significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.
"You be so pleased 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 impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.
His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.
"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.
"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to previous team Northampton in November 2022
