The former player: 'I really wanted to carry on playing'
Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to reporters.
"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.
"That was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was surprisingly excluded for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.
"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.
"This is 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 descent.
"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."
"We has given significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."
Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from damaging behaviour.
"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved 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 sibling died earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more open.
His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, mentoring and dietary education.
"My personal motivations are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their personal stories as well.
"I grab the challenge by the horns and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly think 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 comeback to previous team Northampton in late 2022
