The former player: 'I hoped to continue my rugby career'
Important note: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct
Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he told media outlets.
"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations going on.
"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell started all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was surprisingly overlooked for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.
"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."
The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."
"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."
Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.
"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, 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 production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.
His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.
"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.
"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their own experiences as well.
"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
