The former player: 'I really wanted to carry on playing'
Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.
Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he told media outlets.
"I really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.
"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in 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 faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.
"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.
"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over 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 incorrect."
Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."
The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."
"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.
"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.
"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.
His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.
"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.
"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.
"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a return to previous team Northampton in November 2022
