The former player: 'I really hoped to carry on playing'
Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour
Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he told media outlets.
"I really hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.
"That was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."
A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell started all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially excluded for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.
"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."
"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.
"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."
Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.
All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.
"You should 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.
"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.
His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.
"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience 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 game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.
"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in November 2022
