The former player: 'I really wanted to continue playing'
Important note: This article contains details of discriminatory language and conduct
Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early end.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering 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've have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.
"I really wanted to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.
"This situation was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was surprisingly excluded for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.
"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.
"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" 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 "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."
"The organization has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.
"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an continuous effort."
Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and feedback.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.
"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the filming of the film, and his sister died earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.
His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing their own stories as well.
"I take the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe 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 return to previous team Northampton in late 2022
