The former player: 'I really wanted to carry on playing'
Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.
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.
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 definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to 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.
"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "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 2014-15, but was surprisingly overlooked for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.
"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."
"We has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.
"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."
Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.
"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.
His charitable organization aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.
"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.
"I need to take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to previous team Northampton in November 2022
