The former player: 'I really hoped to continue playing'
Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory comments and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature end.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he told media outlets.
"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries underway.
"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was surprisingly excluded for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.
"I've had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he said.
"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The governing body said Burrell's revelations 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."
"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.
"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
All Premiership and PWR club now has in-person education on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.
All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.
"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.
His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.
"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.
"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to previous team Northampton in November 2022
