The former player: 'I really wanted to carry on my rugby career'
Important note: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.
"I wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries going on.
"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was surprisingly overlooked for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.
"I've had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."
"We has given considerable attention on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.
"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.
All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect 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.
"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.
His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.
"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.
"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own stories as well.
"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
