The former player: 'I wanted to carry on playing'
Warning: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racism in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he told media outlets.
"I really hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.
"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell started all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was controversially overlooked for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.
"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell says he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream 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 introduction of an action plan for the elite level."
"We has placed significant attention on diversity and diversity 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 class discrimination," it continued.
"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.
"You be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling died recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more open.
His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.
"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing 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 hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about discussing their own stories as well.
"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
