The former player: 'I really wanted to carry on playing'
Warning: This article contains details of racially offensive language and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his professional journey to an early conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.
"I've have definitely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.
"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were investigations underway.
"That was difficult - I had to just accept the outcome and understand that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect enough evidence to definitively say they happened 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 tournament
Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in 2014.
"I've had several distressing experiences within England camp," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been disguised as humour 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 norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a team-mate at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."
The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."
"We has given considerable focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and classism," it continued.
"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.
All England players, including youth squads, are educated in being "active bystanders" to step in and protect others from harmful behaviour.
"You should be so pleased of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.
"We know it has had this effect 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 father Geoff died shortly after the production of the documentary, and his sister died earlier this year.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the game more accessible.
His 12 Foundation aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed on and off the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.
"My motivations are pure, I want to see the progress of the game and if others is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will become about discussing their personal experiences as well.
"I need to grab the challenge by the horns and keep carrying this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and do what I can to develop opportunities and make the sport more attractive and more inclusive.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged young people and a lot of poverty and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
