The former player: 'I wanted to continue my rugby career'
Warning: This piece includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct
Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.
"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.
"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was surprisingly overlooked for their team for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.
"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."
The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."
"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.
"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."
All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.
"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.
His charitable organization works to reach children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for 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 great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.
"I need to take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
