The former player: 'I really hoped to continue playing'
Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.
Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.
"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.
"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 report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was surprisingly excluded for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.
"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Some 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 dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and seen," 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 harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" 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 given considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.
"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."
Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.
All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.
"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.
His charitable organization works to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to fight that fight 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 more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own stories as well.
"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
