The former player: 'I wanted to continue my rugby career'
Warning: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racism in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature end.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been exposed 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 went on," he explained to media outlets.
"I hoped to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations going on.
"That was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was surprisingly overlooked for their team for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell revealed to media he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.
"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.
"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell says he was eventually motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed 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 professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."
"The organization has placed considerable focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.
"We are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."
All Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating welcoming environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.
All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.
"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.
"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the production 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 game more accessible.
His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and nutrition education.
"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else 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.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about sharing their own experiences as well.
"I need to take the bull by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly 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 comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
