The former player: 'I really wanted to continue playing'
Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive language and behaviour
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an premature conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and remembering training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing 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 absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.
"I wanted to carry on playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were investigations underway.
"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and understand that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect enough evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially overlooked for their team for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell revealed to journalists he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.
"I've had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.
"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed 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 environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."
"We has given significant focus on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.
"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."
All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.
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 done," 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 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 dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.
His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, 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 experience then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about sharing their personal stories as well.
"I need to grab the bull by the horns and continue carrying this banner and keep supporting 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 economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to previous team Northampton in late 2022
