The former player: 'I really wanted to continue my rugby career'
Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour
Ex-England centre 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 recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he told media outlets.
"I hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.
"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially excluded for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.
"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.
"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."
"We has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.
"The organization 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 continuous effort."
All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.
"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.
"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, 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 died shortly after the production of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.
His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.
"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.
"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their own stories as well.
"I grab the bull by the horns and continue bearing this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in November 2022
