Burrell: 'I really hoped to carry on playing'
Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.
Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.
"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries underway.
"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization report in 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 media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.
"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."
"We has given significant attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."
Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.
All England players, 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 done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"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 production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.
His charitable organization aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.
"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.
"I need to take the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
