Burrell: 'I really hoped to carry on playing'
Warning: This piece includes details of racially offensive comments and conduct
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told reporters.
"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations underway.
"That was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially excluded for their squad for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.
"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told 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 culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."
"The organization has placed considerable focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.
"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."
All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.
"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sibling died 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 connect with children in under-served communities and support them thrive both on the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.
"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
