Burrell: 'I really wanted to carry on my rugby career'
Important note: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.
Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.
"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.
"This situation was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was surprisingly excluded for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.
"I have had several distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level 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 since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.
"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."
All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.
"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the production of the film, and his sibling died earlier this year.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.
His charitable organization aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.
"I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
