The former player: 'I really hoped to carry on playing'
Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory comments and conduct
Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an premature end.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, displaying digital communications and remembering 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 media outlets.
"I wanted to carry on competing, of course I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations going on.
"This situation was difficult - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were true "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell started all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially overlooked for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told media he also faced prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.
"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over 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 nonsense."
Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."
"The organization has placed significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.
"We are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."
Every Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness monitored via individual reports and surveys.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.
"You be so pleased of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"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 dad Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister died recently.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.
His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed on and off the field with free sports coaching, guidance and dietary education.
"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if nobody else is willing to share their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.
"We have an obligation to make the game as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.
"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
