The former player: 'I really hoped to carry on playing'
Warning: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour
Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early end.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.
"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.
"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially overlooked for their team for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.
"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.
"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"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 think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" 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 "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."
"We has placed considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.
"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.
"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.
His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.
"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.
"We have an obligation to make the game as great 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 grab the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to change 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
