The former player: 'I really hoped to carry on playing'
Important note: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.
"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.
"That was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell started all of England's international games in 2014-15, but was surprisingly excluded for their team for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.
"I've had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was finally motivated 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 chains would be placed."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."
"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.
"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."
All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.
"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.
"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud 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 passed away earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.
His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.
"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.
"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
