Burrell: 'I really wanted to carry on my rugby career'
Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory comments and behaviour
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to reporters.
"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were investigations going on.
"That was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they happened 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 journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.
"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During a extended period you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."
"The organization has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.
"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.
"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more open.
His 12 Foundation works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.
"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he said.
"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their personal stories as well.
"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
