The former player: 'I really hoped to carry on playing'
Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and behaviour
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to expose racism in rugby union brought his professional journey to an early conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to reporters.
"I hoped to carry on playing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations underway.
"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014-15, but was controversially overlooked for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in 2014.
"I have had several traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the standard and that is acceptable 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 instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."
The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."
"We has placed significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"We are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a culture of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via specific documentation and feedback.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from damaging behaviour.
"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.
"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the filming 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 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.
"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.
"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this flag and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more attractive and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
