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Luther Burrell aims to earn place in England tour squad following Manu Tuilagi injury
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The centre was infamously left out of Stuart Lancaster’s Rugby World Cup squad in favour of Sam Burgess
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Burrell is hoping to start in Sunday’s clash with Wales and stake a claim for a place on this summer’s tour
Luther Burrell is hoping to fill the newly-created vacancy in England’s 32-man squad following Manu Tuilagi’s injury and is included among the 26 named in preparation for the clash with Wales.
The Northampton centre was infamously overlooked for England’s Rugby World Cup squad by former coach Stuart Lancaster, who selected Rugby League convert Sam Burgess ahead of Burrell. A decision he later regretted after the hosts dismal showing in their home tournament.
Burrell then didn’t play a part in the Grand Slam but after receiving a recall is still hopeful and excited to feel part of Jones’ plans and England’s future.
“It’s very exciting,” revealed Burrell. “Obviously, it’s been a long time for me.
“It was a disappointing period for me back in August but that was eight months ago now. I’m excited to be part of this group of players and moving forward.
“It was a huge setback for me both on and off the field. It doesn’t just affect me; it affects people around me.
“For me, I had to go back to the drawing board and strip back all that disappointment and really start again. It’s been an exciting period for me. I have been in and out of the squad in the Six Nations.
“I was chomping at the bit to get an opportunity. It didn’t quite happen. But it’s about here and now and I’m excited to be part of this team.”
Burrell also expressed his sympathy for Tuilagi, who was forced to pull out of the England squad after suffering a hamstring injury playing for Leicester in last weekend’s Premiership semi-final against Saracens.