The former player: 'I wanted to continue playing'
Warning: This piece includes details of racially offensive comments and behaviour
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.
"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries going on.
"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was surprisingly overlooked for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.
"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.
"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"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 finally 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 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 elite level."
"We has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion 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 teams and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and surveys.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.
"You should be so proud 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 achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.
His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.
"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for 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 excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.
"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to previous team Northampton in late 2022
