The former player: 'I really hoped to carry on playing'
Important note: This article contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 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 absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.
"I hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.
"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively 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 team for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 appearances after his first game in 2014.
"I have had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," 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 harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."
The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."
"We has placed considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.
"The organization are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
All Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.
"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.
"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.
His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own stories as well.
"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby 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 previous team Northampton in late 2022
