Burrell: 'I really hoped to carry on playing'
Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct
Ex-England player Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early end.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.
"I really wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.
"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was controversially overlooked for their squad for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.
"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
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 wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."
"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.
"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
All Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.
All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.
"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.
His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.
"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution 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 obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.
"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
