The former player: 'I really wanted to carry on playing'
Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing 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 end my career because of what occurred," he told reporters.
"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations underway.
"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell started all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially overlooked for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.
"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.
"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During a period of time you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a team-mate 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 governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."
"We has given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.
"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on building inclusive cultures, with its success tracked via individual reports and feedback.
All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.
"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"I know it has had this effect on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away earlier this year.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.
His charitable organization works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.
"My motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their own experiences as well.
"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to previous team Northampton in late 2022
