The former player: 'I really wanted to continue my rugby career'
Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and conduct
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to reporters.
"I hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.
"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially overlooked for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.
"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.
"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."
The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."
"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."
Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.
"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more open.
His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.
"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.
"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
