The former player: 'I really hoped to continue my rugby career'
Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive comments and conduct
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature end.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.
"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.
"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient 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 surprisingly overlooked for their squad for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell revealed to 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 several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."
"The organization has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.
"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."
Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.
"You be so proud 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 effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sister passed away recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more open.
His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.
"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.
"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.
"I grab 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 disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to previous team Northampton in late 2022
