The former player: 'I hoped to continue playing'
Important note: This article includes details of discriminatory language and behaviour
FormerEngland player Luther Burrell states that going public to expose racial discrimination in rugby union led his career to an early end.
In a June 2022, Burrell characterized racism as being "widespread" in the sport, showing Whatsapp messages and recalling training ground "jokes" he had been subject to while playing for Newcastle.
At that time 34 and out of contract, Burrell's only elite playing since has been a handful of games with guest team the Barbarians.
"I have absolutely had to end my career because of what happened," he explained to reporters.
"I really hoped to continue competing, naturally I did. I sought that, and it collapsed when word emerged that there were inquiries going on.
"That was difficult - I had to just come to terms with the fate and accept that this whole situation is a lot more important than me."
A sports organization report in 2023 found Burrell's claims were accurate "likely correct", but stated it could not collect sufficient evidence to definitively say they occurred at Newcastle.
Luther Burrell played in 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 faced discrimination within the England team environment, during a Test career that saw him win 15 caps after his first game in February 2014.
"I have had several distressing experiences within the national team," he said.
"Some discrimination and some just old-school mentality that's really unacceptable."
Racism had become accepted in team environments, in Burrell's experience.
"It's something that has been dressed up as humour and that's been the problem that I've personally suffered and witnessed," said Burrell, who is of Jamaican descent.
"Over a period of time you just begin to think that it's the norm and that is acceptable and that it's not malicious, but that's incorrect."
Burrell says he was finally motivated to speak out after a fellow player at Newcastle referred to him as a "enslaved person" and instructed him to put sunscreen on his arms and legs "where your shackles were."
The rugby authority said Burrell's disclosures had led to "a deeper look at the environment within the professional level and to the introduction of an action plan for the elite level."
"We has given significant attention on inclusion and inclusion in the sport and a great deal of work undertaken both prior and after Luther Burrell spoke publicly and revealed his experiences of racism and class discrimination," it continued.
"The organization are continuing work with teams and stakeholders in the professional game to strive for a environment of inclusivity but acknowledge this requires patience and is an ongoing process."
Every Prem and PWR club now has in-person training on building welcoming cultures, with its effectiveness monitored via specific documentation and surveys.
All England athletes, including age-grade squads, are trained in being "active bystanders" to intervene and defend others from harmful conduct.
"You be so proud of what you have done," Burrell's mother Joyce said to him as part of the film about his experiences.
"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 impressed of you and to have you as a son."
Burrell's dad Geoff passed away shortly after the production of the film, and his sibling passed away earlier this year.
Burrell, who grew up on a council estate in Huddersfield, continues his work to make the sport more open.
His charitable organization works to connect with children in disadvantaged communities and support them succeed both on the field with free sports coaching, mentoring and dietary education.
"My personal intentions are pure, I want to see the progress of the sport and if others is willing to share their story then I'll continue to fight that fight because I'm not just pursuing this for my own benefit," he explained.
"We have an responsibility to make the sport as great as it can be and the more I speak about it perhaps the more comfortable others will become about sharing their own stories as well.
"I grab the challenge by the horns and keep bearing this banner and keep carrying this responsibility and do what I can to create opportunities and make the sport more appealing and more welcoming.
"There are a lot of disadvantaged children and a lot of poverty and I sincerely think that rugby has the ability to transform their futures, just as it transformed things for me."
Burrell scored for the Barbarians on a comeback to former club Northampton in late 2022
