The former player: 'I hoped to carry on my rugby career'
Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.
"I really hoped to continue competing, 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 simply accept the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell started all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was controversially excluded for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.
"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality 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 problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable 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 referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."
"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union 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 continued.
"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."
All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.
All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.
"You should be so proud 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 impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.
His charitable organization works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.
"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.
"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their own experiences as well.
"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
