The former player: 'I wanted to continue playing'
Warning: This piece contains details of racially offensive comments and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an premature end.
In a 2022 interview, Burrell described racism as being "widespread" in the game, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" 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 absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he explained to media outlets.
"I wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were investigations underway.
"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this whole process is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was controversially excluded for their team for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell revealed to media he also faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.
"I've 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 normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been disguised as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During a extended period 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 eventually spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where chains would be placed."
The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."
"The organization has given considerable focus on diversity and inclusion in the sport and a substantial amount of work completed both prior and after Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"The organization are ongoing work with teams and stakeholders in the elite level to strive for a environment of inclusivity but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."
All Premiership 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 trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging behaviour.
"You should be so pleased 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 career, but in our view, you have done so well. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sister passed away earlier this year.
Burrell, who was raised on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.
His 12 Foundation aims to connect with children in under-served communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports training, guidance and dietary education.
"My personal intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he said.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I talk about it perhaps the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.
"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue carrying this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in November 2022
