The former player: 'I wanted to continue playing'
Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.
"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.
"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially overlooked for their team for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.
"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."
"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.
"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.
"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.
His charitable organization works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.
"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.
"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal stories as well.
"I take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in November 2022
