The former player: 'I wanted to carry on my rugby career'
Warning: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory language and conduct
FormerEngland centre Luther Burrell states that speaking out to reveal racial discrimination in professional rugby brought his professional journey to an premature conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the sport, displaying digital communications and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while representing Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only professional rugby since has been three appearances with invitational side the Barbarians.
"I've have absolutely had to retire because of what occurred," he explained to reporters.
"I hoped to continue competing, of course I did. I pursued that, and it fell through when news came out that there were investigations going on.
"This situation was difficult - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."
A rugby governing body report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "on the balance of probability", but said it could not collect sufficient proof to categorically say they occurred 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 revealed to journalists he also encountered prejudice within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 caps after his first game in 2014.
"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within England camp," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself experienced and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"During a extended period you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not harmful, but that's nonsense."
Burrell explains he was finally motivated to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."
The governing body said Burrell's disclosures had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the elite game and to the implementation of an strategy for the professional game."
"We has given significant focus on inclusion and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both before and after Luther Burrell came forward and shared his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.
"We are continuing work with clubs and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this takes time and is an ongoing process."
All Prem and PWR club now has in-person education on building 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 conduct.
"You should be so pleased 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 effect on you and finished your playing days, but in our eyes, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the documentary, and his sister passed away recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more open.
His 12 Foundation works to reach young people in under-served communities and help them succeed both on the pitch with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.
"My intentions are genuine, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll persist to advocate for that cause because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more confident fellow players will feel about sharing their personal stories as well.
"I take the challenge by the opportunity and continue bearing this banner and continue supporting this weight and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more appealing and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of underprivileged children and a lot of poverty and I honestly think that the sport has the ability to transform their lives, just as it did for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to previous team Northampton in late 2022
