He played rugby union for Leeds Carnegie (2006–2011), Sale Sharks (2011–2012) and Northampton Saints (2012–2019), and won 15 caps for England between 2014 and 2016.

Then returned to Rugby Union after signing for Newcastle Falcons in 2020 Burrell was born in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England.

[7] He made his senior rugby union debut for Leeds Carnegie aged 19 in 2006–07, and went on to make 41 appearances for the club.

[9] On 20 September 2020, Burrell made a switch back to union code to sign for Newcastle Falcons in the Premiership Rugby on a two-year contract from the 2020–21 season.

[11] He was called up by Stuart Lancaster to represent England in May 2013 after his good form and an injury to another League convert Joel Tomkins.