The former player: 'I really wanted to continue my rugby career'
Important note: This article includes descriptions of discriminatory comments and conduct
Ex-England player Luther Burrell says that speaking out to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "rife" in the game, displaying Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "comments" he had been exposed to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, 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 occurred," he told media outlets.
"I wanted to continue playing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when news emerged that there were inquiries going on.
"This situation was difficult - I had to just accept the fate and accept that this entire process is a lot bigger than me."
A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not gather 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 surprisingly overlooked for their squad for the 2015 tournament
Burrell told media he also encountered prejudice within the England set-up, during a Test career that saw him earn 15 appearances after his first game in February 2014.
"I've had multiple traumatic experiences within the national team," he said.
"Certain instances of discrimination and other just old-school mentality that's really inappropriate."
Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's view.
"This is something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the issue that I've myself suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over a extended period you just begin to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not harmful, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a fellow player at Newcastle called him as a "slave" and told him to put sun cream on his wrists and ankles "where chains would be placed."
The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the culture within the elite game and to the introduction of an strategy for the professional game."
"We has placed significant focus on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a substantial amount of work completed both before and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and classism," it added.
"The organization are ongoing work with teams and partners in the professional game to work for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an continuous effort."
Every Premiership and PWR club now has in-person training on building inclusive environments, with its success tracked via specific documentation and surveys.
All England players, including age-grade squads, are educated in being "engaged observers" to intervene and protect others from harmful behaviour.
"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 career, 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 dad Geoff passed away soon after the filming of the film, and his sister died recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, maintains his work to make the sport more open.
His charitable organization aims to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports coaching, mentoring and nutrition education.
"My motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the game and if others is prepared to tell their story then I'll continue to advocate for that cause because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he said.
"Everyone involved have an obligation to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the longer I talk about it perhaps the more comfortable fellow players will become about discussing their personal stories as well.
"I need to grab the bull by the opportunity and keep bearing this flag and continue carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create possibilities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of underprivileged children 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 for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
