The former player: 'I really hoped to carry on playing'
Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he told reporters.
"I hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries going on.
"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", 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 controversially overlooked for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.
"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.
"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told 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 "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."
"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."
All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, 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 damaging conduct.
"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done so much. 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 sister passed away earlier this year.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.
His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.
"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.
"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their own stories as well.
"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think 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 return to previous team Northampton in late 2022
