The former player: 'I hoped to carry on my rugby career'
Warning: This piece includes details of discriminatory comments and conduct
Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.
Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he told reporters.
"I hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.
"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was surprisingly overlooked for their squad for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.
"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over a period of time you just learn 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 finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."
"We has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.
"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."
Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.
All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.
"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," 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 view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.
His charitable organization works to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.
"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their story 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 great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their own stories as well.
"I take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to previous team Northampton in late 2022
