Luther Burrell

Luther Burrell
Name	Luther Burrell
Birth date	6 December 1988
Birth place	Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England
Weight	108 kg
Ru position	Centre
Ru amateurclubs	Huddersfield RUFC
Ru provinceyears	2009–2011
Ru province	Leeds Carnegie
Ru provinceapps	37
Ru provincepoints	(35)
Ru clubyears	2011–2014, 2014–2019, 2019–2020, 2021–2022
Ru club	Northampton Saints, Warrington Wolves, Northampton Saints, Newcastle Falcons
Ru clubapps	80, 108, 4, 15
Ru clubpoints	(110), (184), (0), (5)
Ru nationalyears	2014–2016
Ru nationalteam	England
Ru nationalcaps	15
Ru nationalpoints	(15)

Luther Burrell is a professional rugby player who has competed at the highest levels in both rugby union and rugby league. A powerful and direct centre, he gained prominence during a successful stint with the Northampton Saints in the English Premiership, earning multiple caps for the England national rugby union team. His career later transitioned to Super League with the Warrington Wolves before a return to union.

Early life and career

Born in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, Burrell was educated at Almondbury High School and initially played rugby league as a junior. He switched codes to union and joined the academy of Leeds Carnegie, making his professional debut for the club in the RFU Championship. His robust performances in the second tier caught the attention of top-flight scouts, leading to a significant move that would define the next phase of his career.

Club career

Burrell's club career in rugby union flourished after his 2011 transfer to Northampton Saints. He became a key figure in their midfield, helping the club secure the Premiership title in 2014 and the European Rugby Champions Cup the same season. In a notable cross-code switch, he moved to rugby league in 2014, signing for the Warrington Wolves in Super League. He spent five seasons at the Halloween Stadium, appearing in the 2016 and 2018 Challenge Cup Finals. After a brief return to Northampton Saints in 2019, he concluded his professional union career with the Newcastle Falcons in the Premiership Rugby.

International career

His form for Northampton Saints earned him a call-up to the England national rugby union team under coach Stuart Lancaster. He made his test debut against France during the 2014 Six Nations Championship and was subsequently selected for the tour of New Zealand that summer. Burrell was part of the 2015 Rugby World Cup squad, hosted by England, and earned 15 caps in total, scoring three tries. His final international appearance came against Wales in the 2016 Six Nations Championship.

Style of play

Renowned for his physical attributes, Burrell was a strong, ball-carrying centre who excelled at breaking the gain line. His powerful frame made him a potent asset in both attack and defence, often used as a direct runner to commit multiple defenders. While his primary strength was in contact, he also developed a capable offloading game during his peak years at Northampton Saints.

Personal life

Burrell has been open about personal challenges, including experiences with racism within the sport, which he detailed in discussions with the Rugby Football Union. He has participated in community and anti-racism initiatives linked to rugby's governing bodies. Outside of rugby, he has pursued interests in business and media.

Honours

Northampton Saints * Premiership Rugby: 2013–14 * European Rugby Champions Cup: 2013–14 * Anglo-Welsh Cup: 2013–14

Warrington Wolves * Super League Leaders' Shield: 2016 * Challenge Cup Runner-up: 2016, 2018

Category:English rugby union players Category:English rugby league players Category:England international rugby union players Category:People from Huddersfield