The former player: 'I wanted to carry on playing'
Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his career to an early end.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing 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 elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he told reporters.
"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.
"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to definitively 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 squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.
"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."
"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed 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 elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.
"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more open.
His charitable organization works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.
"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own stories as well.
"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
