The former player: 'I wanted to continue playing'
Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory language and behaviour
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an premature end.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling 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 three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what went on," he told media outlets.
"I hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.
"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was surprisingly excluded for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.
"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.
"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."
"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.
"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."
Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on creating inclusive environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and feedback.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and defend others from harmful behaviour.
"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the film, and his sister passed away recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, continues his work to make the game more accessible.
His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.
"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to share their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he said.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.
"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this weight and do what I can to develop possibilities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
