The former player: 'I really wanted to continue playing'
Warning: This piece contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an early conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing 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 retire because of what went on," he explained to reporters.
"I hoped to continue playing, of course 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 accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially excluded for their squad for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.
"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell says 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 wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."
"We has given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.
"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.
"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.
His charitable organization aims to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the field with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.
"I take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
