The former player: 'I really hoped to continue playing'
Important note: This piece contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.
"I really hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.
"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014-15, but was controversially excluded for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.
"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally 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 fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."
"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.
"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
Every Prem and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.
All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.
"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.
"We know it has had this effect on you and finished 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 father Geoff died soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.
His charitable organization works to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.
"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.
"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in November 2022
