The former player: 'I really hoped to carry on playing'
Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory language and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to reporters.
"I really hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.
"That was challenging - 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 report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was controversially overlooked for their squad for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.
"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a extended period you just begin to believe 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 called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."
"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.
"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."
Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.
"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues 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 dietary education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.
"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship 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 late 2022
