The former player: 'I really wanted to continue playing'
Important note: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour
Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for 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 absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told media outlets.
"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations underway.
"That was difficult - I had to just accept 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 accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially excluded for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 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"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 team environments, in Burrell's experience.
"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," 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 incorrect."
Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "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."
"The organization has placed significant focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters 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 recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.
"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.
"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.
His charitable organization aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.
"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.
"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
