The former player: 'I really hoped to continue playing'
Warning: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject 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 absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.
"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries going on.
"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."
A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially excluded for their team for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.
"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.
"This is 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 descent.
"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."
"We has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.
"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity 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 success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.
All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.
"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.
His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.
"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.
"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
