The former player: 'I hoped to carry on my rugby career'
Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he told media outlets.
"I really hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations underway.
"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell started all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially overlooked for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.
"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
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 professional game."
"We has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.
"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on creating welcoming environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.
"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.
His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.
"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about discussing their own stories as well.
"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
