The former player: 'I really wanted to carry on my rugby career'
Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early end.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he told reporters.
"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations underway.
"That was challenging - I had to just accept the outcome and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014-15, but was surprisingly excluded for their team for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England set-up, during a international career that saw him earn 15 caps after his debut in February 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"Some discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really inappropriate."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 experience.
"It's something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"Over a period of time you just learn to believe that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the elite level."
"The organization has given significant attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a environment of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."
All Premiership and PWR club now has face-to-face training on building welcoming cultures, with its success monitored via individual reports and feedback.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.
"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.
"I know it has had this impact on you and ended your career, but in our view, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sibling died earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a social housing in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more accessible.
His charitable organization works to reach young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I talk about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about sharing their own stories as well.
"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this flag and keep supporting this weight and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
