The former player: 'I really hoped to continue my rugby career'
Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive comments and behaviour
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized 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 without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told media outlets.
"I wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.
"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell started all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially overlooked for their squad for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.
"I have had multiple distressing 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"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 team environments, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed 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 "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."
"We has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."
Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.
"You should be so pleased of what you have done," 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 ended your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more open.
His charitable organization aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.
"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about discussing their own stories as well.
"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
