The former player: 'I wanted to carry on playing'
Warning: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
Then 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 retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.
"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations underway.
"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially excluded for their team for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.
"I've had multiple 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"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 team environments, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."
The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."
"We has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."
All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.
All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.
"You be so proud of what you have done," 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 ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.
His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.
"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their own stories as well.
"I take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
