The former player: 'I really wanted to carry on my rugby career'
Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and conduct
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his career to an early end.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.
"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.
"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was controversially excluded for their squad for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.
"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."
"We has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.
"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."
Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.
"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, 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 film, and his sibling died recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more open.
His charitable organization works to reach young people in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own stories as well.
"I take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in November 2022
