The former player: 'I hoped to carry on my rugby career'
Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive comments and conduct
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.
"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.
"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially excluded for their team for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.
"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.
"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted 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 descent.
"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."
"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.
"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.
His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.
"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.
"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.
"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
