The former player: 'I really wanted to carry on playing'
Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early end.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing 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 went on," he told media outlets.
"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.
"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell started all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was surprisingly excluded for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.
"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over 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 incorrect."
Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."
"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.
All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.
"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 finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.
His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own stories as well.
"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
