The former player: 'I wanted to continue playing'
Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an early end.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized 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 out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.
"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.
"That was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially overlooked for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.
"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard 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 team-mate at Newcastle referred to 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 "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."
"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.
"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect 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 finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more open.
His 12 Foundation works to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.
"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.
"I take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create 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 think that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
