Burrell: 'I really hoped to carry on playing'
Warning: This article contains details of racially offensive comments and behaviour
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an early end.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby 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 explained to media outlets.
"I wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.
"That was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened 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 revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.
"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."
"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.
"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."
Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.
All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.
"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary 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 achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more open.
His charitable organization aims to reach children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.
"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.
"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
