Burrell: 'I really wanted to continue playing'
Warning: This piece contains details of racially offensive comments and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature end.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.
"I really wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.
"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially overlooked for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.
"I've had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During 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 incorrect."
Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."
"The organization has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.
"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."
Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.
All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.
"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.
His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.
"My intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their experience 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 sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal stories as well.
"I grab the bull by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that the sport 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
