The former player: 'I wanted to carry on playing'
Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 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 retire because of what happened," he told reporters.
"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.
"That was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially overlooked for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.
"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced 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 fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."
"The organization has placed significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," 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 in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.
All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.
"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.
His charitable organization works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.
"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.
"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby 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
