The former player: 'I really wanted to continue playing'
Warning: This piece includes details of discriminatory comments and conduct
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he told reporters.
"I really hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.
"That was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this whole 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 collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell started all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially excluded for their squad for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.
"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"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 motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."
"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.
"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
All Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging conduct.
"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sister died recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.
His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.
"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.
"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to transform 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
