The former player: 'I wanted to carry on my rugby career'
Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" 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 definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.
"I really hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.
"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was surprisingly excluded for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.
"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."
"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.
"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."
Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.
"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.
"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, 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 passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.
His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.
"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.
"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to previous team Northampton in late 2022
