The former player: 'I really wanted to continue playing'
Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his career to an premature end.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.
"I really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.
"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was surprisingly overlooked for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.
"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."
"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.
"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"We know it has had this effect 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 died shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more open.
His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, 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 continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.
"I grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to previous team Northampton in November 2022
