The former player: 'I wanted to continue playing'
Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.
Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told reporters.
"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.
"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014-15, but was surprisingly overlooked for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.
"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.
"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."
"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.
"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.
His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.
"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.
"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in November 2022
