The former player: 'I really wanted to carry on my rugby career'
Warning: This piece contains details of racially offensive language and conduct
Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature end.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, 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 professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.
"I wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.
"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", 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 surprisingly overlooked for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.
"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "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 introduction of an strategy for the professional game."
"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.
"We are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.
"You should be so proud of what you have done," 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 ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.
His charitable organization aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.
"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own stories as well.
"I take the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to previous team Northampton in late 2022
