The former player: 'I wanted to continue my rugby career'
Important note: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he told media outlets.
"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations going on.
"That was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially overlooked for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.
"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.
"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and witnessed," 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 malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."
"We has placed considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.
"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."
All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.
All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.
"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff died shortly 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 open.
His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their own stories as well.
"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
