The former player: 'I hoped to carry on playing'
Warning: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for 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 have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told reporters.
"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.
"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was controversially overlooked for their team for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.
"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.
"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public 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 rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."
"We has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."
Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.
"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.
"I know it has had this effect 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 son."
Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.
His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.
"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.
"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their own experiences as well.
"I grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
