The former player: 'I really wanted to continue my rugby career'
Important note: This piece includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his career to an premature conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
Then 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.
"I wanted to continue playing, of course I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.
"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not gather enough proof to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014-15, but was controversially excluded for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.
"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he stated.
"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.
"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 descent.
"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell says he was eventually spurred to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called 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 "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."
"We has given significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it added.
"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to intervene and defend others from harmful behaviour.
"You be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film 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 well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the production of the film, and his sister died recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, maintains his work to make the sport more open.
His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the pitch with complimentary sports training, guidance and dietary education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the longer I speak about it perhaps the more confident others will become about discussing their own stories as well.
"I need to grab the bull by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue 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 poverty and I sincerely think that the sport has the potential to change their futures, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
