The former player: 'I wanted to carry on my rugby career'
Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.
"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations underway.
"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."
A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was surprisingly overlooked for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.
"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.
"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over a period of time you just learn to believe 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 referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "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 introduction of an action plan for the professional game."
"The organization has given considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.
"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success 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 told him as part of the film about his experiences.
"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sister died recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.
His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.
"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about sharing their own stories as well.
"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to change 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
