England RU star Luther Burrell crosses codes to sign for Warrington Wolves

WARRINGTON have brought England RU star Luther Burrell to rugby league on a two-and-a-half deal.

And the centre – who won 15 caps - he is going back to where it all began after signing until the end of the 2021 season.

He will also not count at all on the Wolves’ salary cap this season under a ‘new talent pool’ clause encouraging clubs to make cross-code recruits.

Northampton man Burrell, who lost his 2015 World Cup place to Sam Burgess, will join the Wolves at the end of the current Gallagher Premiership season in May.

However, the 31-year-old is going back to his roots as he grew up playing the 13-a-side game as a kid in hometown Huddersfield.

Burrell, big friends with England RL star Jermaine McGillvary, said: “My background is predominantly in Rugby League as I grew up, surrounded by the sport and playing it at school.

“It’s never really left my blood. I guess my aim was to always try my hand at it one day and I’m buzzing to get involved with rugby league and the Super League.

“I’ve had some great times in rugby union and I’ve had some adverse times, so for me to have this opportunity to play rugby league and see how far I can get with a great team is exciting.

“I know Josh Charnley from his time in union and I’ve been spoken to him. His message was about how great the club is and from the outside you can see it has aspirations.

“I’ve had the opportunity to play for England in union and to play on some of the biggest stages in finals. I’d like to think I can transfer the experience I have gained into rugby league.

“I’m not here to make up the numbers, I’m coming over and I mean business.”

Burrell’s last England appearance came against Australia in Brisbane in 2016 but his capture is seen as the first in a bid to lure more RU stars to rugby league, especially under the new and returning talent clauses.

Warrington coach Steve Price said: “He’s a quality signing, being a former England international who has played at the highest level in rugby union.

"It’s exciting for Luther to be able to switch codes and to challenge himself in the Super League - in saying that he has still got a number of games left this season with Northampton, once that season is completed we look forward to getting him here and involved in our team.

“He’ll have to get up to speed with new calls, different team mates and a different game, so it will take a bit of time to transition but he’s tall, athletic and can play in a number of positions which adds  a lot of depth to our playing squad.

“He’s had an interest in the game of rugby league from a young age and is a great coup for our club.”