The former player: 'I wanted to carry on my rugby career'
Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an early end.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.
Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.
"I wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.
"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "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 Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was surprisingly excluded for their team for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.
"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over 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 incorrect."
Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."
"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.
"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."
All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.
"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to 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 eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sister died recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.
His charitable organization works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.
"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.
"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
