The former player: 'I wanted to carry on my rugby career'
Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.
"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations underway.
"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."
A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was controversially excluded for their squad for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.
"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."
"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.
"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."
Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.
All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.
"You should be so proud 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 effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister died recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.
His charitable organization works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.
"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.
"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.
"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in November 2022
