The former player: 'I really hoped to carry on my rugby career'
Warning: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.
"I really hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.
"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014-15, but was surprisingly excluded for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.
"I've had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."
"We has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.
"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"I know it has had this impact 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 son."
Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.
His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.
"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.
"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
