The former player: 'I really hoped to carry on playing'
Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature end.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed 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 have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he told media outlets.
"I really wanted to carry on competing, 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 accept that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell started all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially excluded for their squad for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.
"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The governing body 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 elite level."
"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since 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 environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.
"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.
His charitable organization works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.
"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their own experiences as well.
"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
