The former player: 'I really hoped to carry on playing'
Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
Then 34 and out of contract, 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 went on," he explained to reporters.
"I really wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.
"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was surprisingly overlooked for their squad for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.
"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."
The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."
"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.
"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."
Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.
All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.
"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"I know it has had this effect on you and finished 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 died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.
His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.
"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.
"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a return to previous team Northampton in late 2022
