Burrell: 'I really hoped to continue playing'
Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early end.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he told media outlets.
"I wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.
"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect 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 overlooked for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.
"I've 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 normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."
"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.
"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."
All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful conduct.
"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.
His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.
"I take the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
