The former player: 'I really hoped to continue playing'
Warning: This article includes details of racially offensive language and conduct
Ex-England centre Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in professional rugby led his professional journey to an early conclusion.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing digital communications and remembering training ground "comments" 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 guest team the Barbarians.
"I have definitely had to retire because of what went on," he explained to media outlets.
"I really hoped to carry on competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were investigations going on.
"This situation was challenging - I had to simply come to terms with the fate and understand that this entire situation is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization investigation in April 2023 found Burrell's allegations were true "likely correct", but said it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in all of England's international games in 2014-15, but was controversially excluded for their team for the 2015 World Cup
Burrell told 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 have had multiple distressing experiences within England camp," he stated.
"Some discrimination and other just outdated thinking that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become normalised in dressing rooms, in Burrell's experience.
"This is something that has been dressed up as banter and that's been the problem that I've myself suffered and seen," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican heritage.
"During a extended period you just learn to think that it's the standard and that is fine and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell explains he was finally spurred to go public after a team-mate at Newcastle referred to him as a "slave" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his wrists and ankles "where your shackles were."
The governing body said Burrell's revelations had led to "increased scrutiny at the culture within the professional level and to the implementation of an action plan for the professional game."
"The organization has placed considerable attention on diversity and inclusion in rugby union and a great deal of work completed both prior and since Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his encounters of racism and class discrimination," it added.
"The organization are continuing work with teams and partners in the elite level to strive for a culture of acceptance but recognize this takes time and is an ongoing process."
All Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on creating inclusive environments, with its effectiveness tracked via individual reports and surveys.
All England athletes, including youth squads, are trained in being "engaged observers" to step in and protect others from damaging conduct.
"You should be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce told him as part of the film about his experiences.
"I know it has had this effect on you and ended your playing days, but in our view, you have achieved so well. We are so proud of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's father Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away recently.
Burrell, who grew up on a social housing in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the game more accessible.
His 12 Foundation works to connect with young people in disadvantaged communities and support them thrive both on the field with complimentary sports training, mentoring and nutrition education.
"My personal motivations are pure, I want to see the evolution of the sport and if others is willing to tell their experience then I'll persist to fight that fight because I'm not just doing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"We have an responsibility to make the sport as excellent as it can be and the more I speak about it hopefully the more comfortable others will become about sharing their personal experiences as well.
"I need to take the challenge by the horns and continue bearing this flag and keep supporting this responsibility and accomplish what I can to create opportunities and make the game more attractive and more inclusive.
"There's a lot of underprivileged young people and a lot of economic hardship and I honestly believe that the sport has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored a try for the Barbarians on a return to former club Northampton in late 2022
