The former player: 'I really wanted to carry on playing'
Warning: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and conduct
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his career to an early conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 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 wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations going on.
"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was surprisingly excluded for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.
"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," 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"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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.
"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."
"We has placed considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.
"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."
Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.
"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told 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 well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.
His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and support them succeed both on the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.
"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.
"I need to take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby 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 November 2022
