Burrell: 'I hoped to carry on playing'
Important note: This article includes details of racially offensive language and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for 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've have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.
"I hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.
"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was surprisingly overlooked for their team for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.
"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."
"The organization has given significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.
"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.
All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in 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.
"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.
His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition 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 persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.
"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.
"I need to take the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe 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
