The former player: 'I really wanted to continue playing'
Warning: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an early end.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications 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 three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.
"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.
"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell started all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was surprisingly excluded for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.
"I've 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"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" 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 "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."
"The organization has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.
"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.
"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.
His charitable organization aims to reach children in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about sharing their own stories as well.
"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in November 2022
