The former player: 'I wanted to carry on playing'
Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.
Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.
"I wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.
"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was controversially excluded for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.
"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been dressed up as banter 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 incorrect."
Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate 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 rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."
"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."
Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.
All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.
"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.
"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so much. 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 passed away recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.
His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.
"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.
"I grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby 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
