The former player: 'I wanted to continue playing'
Important note: This piece includes details of racially offensive comments and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell says that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to retire because of what occurred," he told reporters.
"I hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.
"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and accept that this entire process is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization report in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "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 international games in 2014-15, but was surprisingly overlooked for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told journalists he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him win 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.
"I've had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.
"This is something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During a period of time 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 team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an action plan for the professional game."
"The organization has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it continued.
"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face training on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful conduct.
"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the documentary about his experiences.
"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your career, but in our view, you have done so much. 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 sibling died earlier this year.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more open.
His 12 Foundation works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.
"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.
"I take the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this flag and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to develop possibilities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
