The former player: 'I hoped to carry on my rugby career'
Warning: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing digital communications 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 end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.
"I really wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations going on.
"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather sufficient 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 overlooked for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.
"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell says he was finally spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."
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 professional game."
"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.
"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its success monitored via individual reports and surveys.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.
"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.
"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.
His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.
"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.
"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.
"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential 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
