The former player: 'I really hoped to continue my rugby career'
Warning: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, 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 went on," he told media outlets.
"I wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations going on.
"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."
A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically 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 told media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.
"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.
"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," 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 speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."
"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.
"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.
"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sister died recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.
His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.
"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.
"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal stories as well.
"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
