The former player: 'I really hoped to carry on my rugby career'
Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct
Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an premature conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he told media outlets.
"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations going on.
"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."
A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather 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 surprisingly excluded for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.
"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.
"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."
"The organization has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."
Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.
"You should be so proud 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 impact on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more open.
His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.
"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.
"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.
"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in November 2022
