The former player: 'I really wanted to continue playing'
Warning: This piece includes details of discriminatory comments and conduct
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racism in rugby union led his career to an premature end.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages 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 three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told reporters.
"I really hoped to carry on playing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.
"That 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 report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened 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 revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.
"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.
"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."
"The organization has given considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."
Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and surveys.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from damaging behaviour.
"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to 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 eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling passed away recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.
His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.
"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.
"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to change their futures, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in November 2022
