The former player: 'I wanted to carry on my rugby career'
Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour
Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.
Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.
"I hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.
"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough 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 World Cup
Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.
"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some 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 banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to 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 "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."
"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.
"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.
"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more open.
His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.
"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.
"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.
"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport 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 late 2022
