The former player: 'I wanted to carry on my rugby career'
Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct
Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early end.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.
"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries going on.
"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations 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 Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was surprisingly overlooked for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.
"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."
"We has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport 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 ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."
Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.
All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend 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 ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sibling died recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.
His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.
"My 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 persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.
"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.
"I take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in November 2022
