The former player: 'I really wanted to continue playing'
Important note: This piece contains details of racially offensive language and behaviour
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an premature conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, displaying digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject 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've have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.
"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were inquiries underway.
"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell started 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 team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.
"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.
"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"It's 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 heritage.
"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was eventually spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."
The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."
"We has given significant focus on inclusion and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and classism," it added.
"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.
All England players, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" 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 film about his experiences.
"We know it has had this effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sister died recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.
His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.
"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.
"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about discussing their own experiences as well.
"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to change their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
