The former player: 'I really hoped to continue playing'
Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.
"I wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.
"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."
A rugby governing body 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 happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was surprisingly excluded for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.
"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."
"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.
"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.
"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more open.
His charitable organization aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.
"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.
"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.
"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
