The former player: 'I wanted to carry on playing'
Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour
Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages 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 invitational side the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.
"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.
"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient 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 team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.
"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.
"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."
The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."
"We has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.
"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.
All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.
"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to 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 well. We are so proud 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 was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.
His charitable organization aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.
"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others 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.
"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.
"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
