The former player: 'I wanted to carry on my rugby career'
Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour
Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.
Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.
"I hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.
"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell started all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially excluded for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.
"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."
"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.
"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.
"You be so pleased of what you have done," 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 career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sibling died recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.
His charitable organization works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.
"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.
"We have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.
"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
