The former player: 'I really wanted to continue playing'
Important note: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and behaviour
Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications 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 professional rugby since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he told media outlets.
"I hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.
"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the fate and accept 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 said it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell started all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially excluded for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.
"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"This is something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."
The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."
"We has placed significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.
"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"We know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.
His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.
"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.
"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about discussing their own experiences as well.
"I take the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe 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 return to former club Northampton in late 2022
