The former player: 'I wanted to carry on playing'
Warning: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.
Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.
"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when word came out that there were inquiries going on.
"This situation was challenging - I had to just accept the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but stated it could not gather enough evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014-15, 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've had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.
"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"It's 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 believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" 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 "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."
"The organization has placed considerable attention on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.
"The organization are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.
"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.
His 12 Foundation aims to reach children in under-served communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.
"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.
"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.
"I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
