The former player: 'I hoped to continue playing'
Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early end.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.
Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he told media outlets.
"I wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations going on.
"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was surprisingly excluded for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.
"I have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."
The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."
"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.
"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."
Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.
"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.
His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.
"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.
"I grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to previous team Northampton in late 2022
