The former player: 'I really hoped to carry on playing'
Warning: This article contains descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby 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 really hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.
"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they happened 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 encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.
"I've had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During a period of time you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."
"The organization has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.
"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."
Every Premiership and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and feedback.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.
"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more open.
His charitable organization works to reach children in under-served communities and help them succeed on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.
"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.
"We have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their own stories as well.
"I grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship 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
