The former player: 'I really hoped to carry on my rugby career'
Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.
Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to reporters.
"I really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.
"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically 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 World Cup
Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.
"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed 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 "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."
"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.
"You be so proud 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 eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly 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 open.
His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.
"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.
"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
