The former player: 'I really wanted to carry on playing'
Warning: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an early conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.
"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.
"That was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell started all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was surprisingly excluded for their team for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.
"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.
"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."
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 action plan for the professional game."
"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.
"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."
Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.
"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more open.
His charitable organization aims to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.
"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in November 2022
