The former player: 'I wanted to carry on playing'
Warning: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive comments and conduct
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racism in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.
"I really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.
"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not gather enough proof to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was controversially excluded 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 caps after his first game in February 2014.
"I have had several 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"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 humour and that's been the issue that I've myself experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."
"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.
"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to work for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."
Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.
"You should be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"We know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.
His charitable organization aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.
"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"We have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about discussing their personal stories as well.
"I take the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
