The former player: 'I hoped to continue playing'
Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour
Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an premature conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject 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 invitational side the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told reporters.
"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.
"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014-15, but was controversially overlooked for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.
"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."
"We has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union 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 teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."
Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" 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 film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.
His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.
"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.
"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.
"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to previous team Northampton in late 2022
