The former player: 'I really hoped to carry on playing'
Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory language and conduct
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an early conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.
"I really wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries going on.
"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was surprisingly excluded for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to 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 2014.
"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.
"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered 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 harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called 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 disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."
"We has placed considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.
"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."
All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.
"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," 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 view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more open.
His charitable organization works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.
"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their own stories as well.
"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to previous team Northampton in late 2022
