The former player: 'I really hoped to carry on my rugby career'
Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell described 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 elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.
"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.
"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was surprisingly overlooked for their squad for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.
"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."
"We has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.
"We are ongoing work with teams 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 building welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.
All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.
"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.
"We know it has had this effect 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 sibling passed away recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.
His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.
"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their own stories as well.
"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
