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 rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while representing Newcastle.
Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.
"I wanted to carry on playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.
"This situation was challenging - I had to simply accept the fate and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially overlooked for their team for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell revealed to journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in 2014.
"I have had several traumatic experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality 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 suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over a period of time you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was finally motivated to speak out 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 governing body 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 given considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.
"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to work for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person training on creating welcoming environments, with its success monitored via specific documentation and surveys.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from damaging conduct.
"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"We know it has had this effect on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.
His 12 Foundation aims to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.
"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"We have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.
"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly think that the sport has the potential to transform their futures, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
