The former player: 'I really hoped to carry on playing'
Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and behaviour
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his career to an premature end.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" 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 definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.
"I wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.
"That was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell started all of England's international games in 2014-15, but was surprisingly excluded for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.
"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During 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 says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."
"We has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.
"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."
Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.
All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.
"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.
His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.
"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.
"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
