The former player: 'I really hoped to carry on playing'
Important note: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct
Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in rugby union brought his career to an early end.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
Then 34 and out of contract, 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 happened," he explained to media outlets.
"I really wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations underway.
"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially overlooked for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told media he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.
"I've had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.
"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell says he was eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" 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 "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."
"The organization has placed significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."
All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.
"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sister passed away recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more accessible.
His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.
"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.
"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.
"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this flag and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to previous team Northampton in late 2022
