The former player: 'I really wanted to continue my rugby career'
Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.
"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations underway.
"That was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially overlooked for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.
"I've had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream 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 environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."
"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.
"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.
His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.
"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to previous team Northampton in late 2022
