The former player: 'I wanted to carry on playing'
Warning: This piece includes details of discriminatory comments and conduct
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" 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've have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.
"I hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were investigations underway.
"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said 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 overlooked for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.
"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over a period of time you just begin 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 team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen 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 elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."
"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.
"We 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."
Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.
All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.
"You 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 finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.
His charitable organization works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.
"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.
"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.
"I need to take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in November 2022
