The former player: 'I wanted to carry on my rugby career'
Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an premature end.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.
"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.
"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was surprisingly overlooked for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.
"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."
"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.
"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.
All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.
"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. 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 film, and his sibling died earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.
His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.
"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.
"I need to take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
