The former player: 'I really hoped to carry on playing'
Warning: This article contains details of discriminatory language and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to reporters.
"I hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries going on.
"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially excluded for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.
"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."
"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.
"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.
"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.
"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.
His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.
"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about sharing their own stories as well.
"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
