The former player: 'I wanted to continue playing'
Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, 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 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 explained to media outlets.
"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.
"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell started all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, 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 Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.
"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality 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 problem that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."
"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.
"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."
All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.
All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.
"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told 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 eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sister passed away recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.
His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.
"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own stories as well.
"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
