The former player: 'I wanted to carry on my rugby career'
Warning: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.
"I hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations underway.
"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough 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 encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.
"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.
"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called 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 "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."
"We has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.
"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.
"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"We know it has had this effect on you and finished 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 documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.
His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and nutrition education.
"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.
"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.
"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to previous team Northampton in November 2022
