Burrell: 'I wanted to carry on my rugby career'
Warning: This piece contains details of racially offensive language and conduct
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.
"I hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries going on.
"That was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims 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 and 2015, but was surprisingly overlooked for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.
"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"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 period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."
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 placed significant attention on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.
"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"I 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 family member."
Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.
His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.
"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.
"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.
"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
