Luther Burrell: from the England rugby union team to the Super League

Four years ago Luther Burrell was playing in the Six Nations. Now he is aiming to represent his country at rugby leagueBy Gavin Willacy for No Helmets RequiredWith 18 minutes left of the Super League match at Ealing Trailfinders on Saturday, there was an historic moment. A former England rugby union international came on for his senior debut in rugby league, the first player to do so since Five Nations winner Nigel Heslop turned out for Oldham 27 years ago. With Warrington leading London 36-6, Luther Burrell’s cameo for Warrington was as uneventful as debuts get. Playing at right centre, the giant former Northampton Saints player joined in a few tackles and carried the ball once. The Super League will get a lot tougher than that.“It’s a huge challenge, but I’m on my journey now. My new path started today,” said Burrell afterwards. He won 15 caps for England’s union side and also wants to be capped by his country at league. It will not be easy. Burrell turns 32 in December and no one has swapped the England rugby union team for the league side since John Bentley did it in 1992. “Obviously I’m aiming to become a regular at Warrington first, but who knows after that?” Related: Super League should take NRL's lead and promote international matches Related: Leeds see off Castleford to pick up vital points in relegation battle Continue readingread full article

Source: TheGuardian

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