The former player: 'I really wanted to carry on my rugby career'
Warning: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to reporters.
"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.
"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept 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 stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell started all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was surprisingly excluded for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.
"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," 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"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 view.
"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell says he was eventually spurred 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 chains would be placed."
The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."
"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.
"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sibling died recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.
His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.
"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.
"I grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to previous team Northampton in late 2022
