The former player: 'I really hoped to continue playing'
Warning: This article includes details of discriminatory language and conduct
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.
"I wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.
"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept 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 collect enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was surprisingly overlooked for their team 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 appearances after his debut in 2014.
"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."
"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.
"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.
"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 effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more open.
His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.
"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for 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 longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.
"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in November 2022
