Burrell: 'I really hoped to continue playing'
Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct
Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described 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 without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he told media outlets.
"I wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries going on.
"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was controversially excluded for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.
"I've had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.
"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."
"The organization has given considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.
"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister died recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.
His charitable organization aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.
"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.
"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their own stories as well.
"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
