The former player: 'I really hoped to carry on playing'
Warning: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.
"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.
"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014-15, but was controversially excluded for their squad for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.
"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.
"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"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 nonsense."
Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."
"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.
"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."
Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.
"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.
His charitable organization works to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.
"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight 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 speak about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their personal stories as well.
"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to previous team Northampton in November 2022
