The former player: 'I wanted to carry on playing'
Important note: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and behaviour
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell claims that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in rugby union brought his career to an early conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell described racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "comments" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
Then 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what occurred," he told media outlets.
"I hoped to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it fell through when news emerged that there were inquiries underway.
"That was challenging - I had to just come to terms with the outcome and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."
A rugby governing body report in April 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not gather sufficient evidence to categorically say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell started all of England's Six Nations games in 2014 and 2015, but was surprisingly excluded for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell revealed to media he also encountered discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his debut in February 2014.
"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.
"Some discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been disguised as humour and that's been the issue that I've personally experienced and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a extended period you just begin to believe that it's the norm and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was eventually motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" 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 "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."
"We has given considerable attention on diversity and diversity in the sport and a great deal of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and shared his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"The organization are ongoing work with clubs and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but acknowledge this requires patience and is an continuous effort."
Every Prem and women's rugby club now has in-person education on building welcoming cultures, with its success tracked via specific documentation and feedback.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.
"You be so proud of what you have done," 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 ended your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so much. We are so impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff died shortly after the filming of the film, and his sister passed away recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in his hometown, continues his work to make the sport more open.
His charitable organization aims to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and help them thrive both on the field with free sports training, guidance and nutrition education.
"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their experience then I'll continue to fight that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it hopefully the more comfortable others will feel about discussing their personal experiences as well.
"I take the bull by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to develop opportunities and make the game more appealing and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely think that rugby has the potential to transform their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a comeback to previous team Northampton in late 2022
