The former player: 'I really wanted to continue playing'
Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he told media outlets.
"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.
"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was surprisingly overlooked for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.
"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."
"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.
"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.
All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.
"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.
His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.
"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.
"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to previous team Northampton in late 2022
