The former player: 'I hoped to carry on playing'
Important note: This article contains descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct
Ex-England player Luther Burrell claims that going public to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an premature conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what went on," he explained to reporters.
"I really wanted to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news came out that there were inquiries underway.
"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the outcome and accept that this entire situation is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened 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 told journalists he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in 2014.
"I have had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a period of time you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell says he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and told him to put sun cream on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the elite level."
"The organization has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his encounters of racism and classism," it added.
"We are ongoing work with teams and partners in the elite level to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on creating inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and defend others from harmful conduct.
"You should be so proud of what you have accomplished," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the documentary Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"I know it has had this impact on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have done so much. We are so proud of you and to have you as a family member."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.
His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in under-served communities and help them thrive on and off the pitch with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if nobody else is prepared to share their experience then I'll continue to advocate for that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable fellow players will feel about sharing their personal experiences as well.
"I need to grab the challenge by the opportunity and keep carrying this banner and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that rugby has the potential to change their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to previous team Northampton in late 2022
