The former player: 'I really wanted to carry on playing'
Warning: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and conduct
Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he told reporters.
"I really hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.
"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially excluded for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.
"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "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 implementation of an action plan for the elite level."
"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.
"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told 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 eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more open.
His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.
"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own stories as well.
"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to previous team Northampton in November 2022
