The former player: 'I wanted to continue playing'
Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct
Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told reporters.
"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.
"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient 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 excluded for their squad for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.
"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.
"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."
The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."
"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."
All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.
"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.
His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.
"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own stories as well.
"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
