The former player: 'I hoped to continue my rugby career'
Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory language and conduct
Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications and remembering 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 a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.
"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.
"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was surprisingly excluded for their squad for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.
"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over 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 finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."
The rugby authority 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 professional game."
"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.
"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.
"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.
His charitable organization aims to connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.
"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility 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 discussing their personal stories as well.
"I take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to previous team Northampton in late 2022
