[1] Burland was born in Bristol and educated at Kingsholme School in Weston-super-Mare.
He played soccer during his early years, until taking up rugby union when he moved to the Bristol suburb of Horfield at age 14 and joined a local church side.
[2] A centre three-quarter, Burland played in the firsts for Bristol from 1926 to 1934.
[3] After two seasons as captain of Bristol, Burland dislocated a shoulder playing against Aldershot Services in 1934, an injury which prematurely ended his career at 26.
[4] Burland's half-brother, the son of Bristol City goalkeeper Harry Clay, died in the sinking of the HMS Courageous.