Luther Burrell finds new club in rugby union after Warrington exit

Luther Burrell has returned to rugby union with Newcastle Falcons after leaving Warrington.

The 32-year-old returns to the 15-man code after a year in rugby league with Warrington, where he made eight appearances.

Burrell said: “I’m someone who always likes to challenge themselves, and I don’t believe in living in a comfort zone.

“Playing rugby league is something I’d always wanted to do, and in some ways it has definitely helped me. My endurance, fitness levels and aspects of my skill set are definitely better as a result of my time with Warrington, and rugby league guys really pride themselves on doing the unseen work. I’ve bought into that, I’ve got a better engine and I’m now able to apply myself more effectively around the field.

“I was a lot heavier when I played union the first time round – somewhere around 112kg – and I dropped down to around 101-ish. I’m now up to 104kg, which I think is going to be my ideal size, and I’m just excited about bringing that aspect of my game into union.

“I’ve got no regrets about going over to league, because it was the fresh challenge that I needed at the time. I’ll look back on it as a positive experience – I wanted to test myself, and I think I’ll come back as a better player for it.

“It just makes sense to choose Newcastle, because ultimately I’m a northern boy. I’m not a Geordie, admittedly, but it’s great to have that bit of northern culture in the Premiership and just being around a good group of lads. I know some of the boys there, which makes things a lot simpler for me, and I can’t wait to hit the ground running.”

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