Why I’m retiring from the game this summer aged 31
LUTHER Burrell will forego his summer holidays in a bid to reignite his England career by spearheading a Northampton revival.
Burrell, dumped by then England coach Stuart Lancaster in the lead-up to World Cup 2015, earned a recall by Eddie Jones for the 2016 tour to Australia but was restricted to just the opening Test in Brisbane – when he was hauled off during the first half – and has failed to feature since.
However, as a bitterly disappointing season for Northampton draws to a close, the powerful centre told The Rugby Paper: “There’s no chance that I’m giving up on England. Eddie always says the door is open and that’s in the back of my mind.
“I don’t go into every game thinking about England but, ultimately, it’s based on performances and I just need to work very hard and stay fit. Once Saints are back winning and stepping up the league ladder, if I’m playing well I’ll give Eddie a call.
“It’s been a rollercoaster year. As a club and a group of players we’ve been through a lot, but on the plus side we’ve put in good performances at the end of the season against Leicester and Wasps and it’s about moving into a fresh start next year.
“I’ve had some niggles but I feel I’ve been getting back to where I need to be and even though I’m 30 now, Premiership rugbywise I’m still young. I didn’t join Northampton from Leeds until I was 25 so I feel my best rugby is still to come here.”
With Saints set for a shake-up, Burrell added: “I’ve had a couple of chats with (new head coach) Chris Boyd and I’m really looking forward to that new chapter. I won’t be taking much time off during the summer because I want to get a head start.
“I’ve seen what he’s doing with the Hurricanes and although we don’t quite know what his game plan or structures will be, he will want us to be quicker and stronger. That will really benefit my game and that’s what I’ll be doing this summer.
“I still have aspirations to step back up to that international stage so I’ll be out to impress the new gaffer and won’t be taking a backward step.”
Burrell expects to thrive next season alongside new fly-half Dan Biggar, having faced the gifted Welshman many times at Test and club level.
He said: “Dan’s a worldclass player and it’s exciting for me to have someone like him to work alongside on a close level and build a relationship with. I only know him from trying to batter him when he’s played for Wales or the Ospreys but he’ll be a great addition because he controls games really well.
“He’s good with ball in hand, puts forwards in the right areas, kicks his goals and he creates space for people around him. Whenever I’ve played against him he’s demanded the best of his team and organises things by talking to his centres.
“That’s the sort of relationship I want with him here and I want him to pass on that experience and for us to bounce off each other. With the signings we’ve made, I’m confident we’ll move on from this year and challenge again next season.”
Meanwhile, Northampton full-back Ben Foden played his 250th and final match for the club yesterday against Worcester. Foden, 32, signed from Sale in 2008 and won 34 England caps during his spell with Saints.