The former player: 'I really wanted to carry on my rugby career'
Warning: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct
Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early end.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to reporters.
"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.
"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was surprisingly excluded for their team for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.
"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.
"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was finally motivated 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 "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."
"We has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.
"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.
"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.
"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more open.
His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their own stories as well.
"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in November 2022
