The former player: 'I hoped to continue playing'
Warning: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature end.
In a June 2022, 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 without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told reporters.
"I really hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were inquiries underway.
"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014-15, but was controversially excluded for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.
"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.
"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell says he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."
The governing body 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."
"The organization has given significant attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.
"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level 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 building welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.
"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved 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 production of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.
His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.
"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.
"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
