The former player: 'I really hoped to carry on playing'
Warning: This article includes descriptions of racially offensive language and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature end.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, showing digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and without a team, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to retire because of what happened," he explained to media outlets.
"I hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I pursued that, and it collapsed when word came out that there were investigations going on.
"That was challenging - I had to simply accept the outcome and understand that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization investigation in 2023 found Burrell's allegations were accurate "on the balance of probability", but stated it could not collect enough proof to definitively say they happened at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014-15, but was surprisingly overlooked for their squad for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell revealed to media he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a international career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his debut in February 2014.
"I've had multiple distressing experiences within the national team," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and some just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."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 seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a extended period you just begin 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 spurred to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The rugby authority said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an strategy for the elite level."
"We has placed considerable attention on diversity and diversity in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell came forward and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"We are continuing work with teams and partners in the professional game to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
Every Prem and women's rugby club now has face-to-face education on building inclusive cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and feedback.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and protect others from damaging conduct.
"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film Luther Burrell - Rugby, Racism and Redemption.
"We 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 family member."
Burrell's father Geoff died soon after the production of the documentary, and his sibling died recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in his hometown, maintains his work to make the game more open.
His charitable organization works to reach children in disadvantaged communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with free sports training, mentoring and dietary education.
"My intentions are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if nobody else is willing to tell their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for myself," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an responsibility to make the game as excellent as it can be and the longer I speak about it hopefully the more confident others will feel about discussing their personal stories as well.
"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and keep carrying this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.
"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I sincerely believe that rugby has the ability to change their lives, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to previous team Northampton in November 2022
