The former player: 'I really wanted to continue playing'
Important note: This piece contains details of discriminatory language and behaviour
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell says that going public to reveal racism in professional rugby brought his career to an early conclusion.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications 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 invitational side the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.
"I really hoped to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.
"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this whole process is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "on the balance of probability", but stated 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 surprisingly overlooked for their team for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell told journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.
"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.
"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in team environments, 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 witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was finally spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."
"The organization has placed significant focus on diversity and diversity in the sport and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it added.
"We are continuing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."
All Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from damaging 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 finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away 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 game more accessible.
His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for myself," he explained.
"We have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.
"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this banner and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.
"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 futures, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
