The former player: 'I really wanted to carry on playing'
Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour
Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.
"I really wanted to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.
"That was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell started all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was controversially overlooked for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.
"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" 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 "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."
"We has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.
"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.
All England players, including youth squads, are educated 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 Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.
His charitable organization aims to connect with children in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.
"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their own stories as well.
"I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
