Burrell vows to bounce back at Saints after England snub

Luther Burrell has admitted his disappointment at not making England’s World Cup squad, but vowed to pour his efforts into Saints’ forthcoming trophy bid.
Luther Burrell (picture: Sharon Lucey)Luther Burrell (picture: Sharon Lucey)
Luther Burrell (picture: Sharon Lucey)

The centre was cut by Stuart Lancaster last week, with the national boss opting to select Jonathan Joseph, Brad Barritt, Henry Slade and Sam Burgess for the tournament.

It was a shock for Burrell, who had formed a strong partnership with Joseph during this year’s Six Nations, which saw England finish runners up to Ireland on points difference.

And the 27-year-old will now throw himself back into life at Franklin’s Gardens ahead of the start of the new Aviva Premiership season on October 16.

“I want to thank everyone for their support & encouragement. Having worked so hard it was obviously disappointing not to be chosen...,” Burrell wrote.

“I intend to focus on my game & the forthcoming season with @SaintsRugby but remain totally behind the team &wish them a successful World Cup.”

Burrell has 13 England caps to his name, scoring three tries in the process.

He made his Test debut in the narrow Six Nations defeat against France in Paris last year and could still be called upon should there be an injury to one of the England centres.

Lancaster’s men begin their World Cup campaign against Fiji at Twickenham on September 18.

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