Heather Fisher believes Abi Burton’s pain with serious illness has pushed the back row forward to new heights.
Much like Fisher, Burton is a rugby sevens player who is now thriving in the 15-a-side game. In Burton’s case, we are only now seeing what the 26-year-old can bring to the Red Roses on a regular basis.
The pair were once teammates when the teenage Barton first entered England Sevens camp and Fisher was at the end of her playing career.
Last weekend, the West Yorkshire forward put in a man-of-the-match performance in England’s 48-15 win against Australia in the WXV Global Series.
Fisher believes Burton’s bout with autoimmune encephalitis in 2022 has taken the back row forward to new heights. Four years ago, Burton was put into a coma for 25 days and had to learn to walk again.
“I think Abi Burton’s transition from her illness is what pushed her,” Fisher said RugbyPass.
“When you’re a young player, you come and say, ‘Wow, I made it.’
“In fact, you start to realize that when you get into an England shirt, you’ve failed. You’re about to start a journey that can end quite quickly.”
“Abi Burton’s story became difficult very quickly. She was in a very bad place. It was really horrible what she went through. What she had to do, physically and mentally, to come back is unbelievable.”
“I think when you play with a bigger purpose, you start to see that professional rugby can be so easily (taken away), and you start to realize that you have nothing to lose. We’re starting to see that now with Abi Burton. She’s completely on her own.”
That inner drive is something Fisher knows all about. In 2012, she broke her back while trying to take the ball at a stroke. The quadruple fracture left Fisher in a full-body cast for 18 months.
Interestingly, two years later, Fisher helped the Red Roses win the women’s tournament Rugby World Cup against France. Two years after that, she represented Great Britain at the 2016 Olympics.
“I see the similarities,” Fisher said when asked about the comparisons between herself and Burton.
“She’s a great, powerful player. A weapon for that England team, and she knows her role. It’s going to be a really exciting few years ahead.”
“I know in women’s sports we talk about size and strength – she has it all. I think what drives her is from within.”
In an interview with RugbyPass in June, Burton claimed she was now “fighting to go on the Lions tour next year” after a breakout season with England.
After a supporting role for Red Roses in Women’s Rugby World Cup In 2025, the 26-year-old was thrust into a starting role after injuries and pregnancies sidelined John Mitchell’s squad.
Starter in four out of five English Guinness Women’s competitions Six Nations games in 2026, Burton played in the lock and in the back row for the Red Roses.
Last week, she was her team’s leading scorer against the Wallaroos in Manchester as the team recorded a 48-15 win in their opener WXV Global Series fixture.
Burton has been named to start again when England host Canada at Exeter’s Sandy Park this Saturday in a replay of the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup final.
“She saw it, she was a part of it from the inside and stepped away from it with a horrible disease that took her out of everything,” Fisher said.
“Then, looking back at the England prize, back in the England shirt. She’s in a great place mentally and physically. All she has to do is maintain it.
“It’s one thing to make England, but to have 50 caps, 100 caps, to be a British and Irish Lion (different).
“I also think John Mitchell has created an environment where players can be authentically themselves.”
It paves the way for a career after playing
Fisher spoke to RugbyPass ahead of the London City 7s. The event, which takes place on Thursday, September 17 in the Honorable Artillery Company, is entering its second year. It will pit 11 teams against each other and allow players to interact with the corporate world.
An ambassador for the event, Fisher has been passionate about helping athletes transition from elite rugby to their post-playing careers since her retirement.
“The fact that you’re bridging the gap between sports and business is a real opportunity,” Fisher said. “We’re always very excited. We’re really excited to support Dan (James, founder of London City 7s) and his message.
“Sports and business can learn so much from each other. You have athletes that come out of high performance and you can transfer those skills. They can learn from each other.”
“Having those conversations is something people need to do more of. The mindset and what we can learn about high performance, optimizing performance, is critical to any business. To me, it’s a no-brainer.”
London City 7s is a week of world-class rugby on your doorstep, fast-paced, high-scoring action with great food, drink and electric crowds in the City. A great day out, whether you’re a die-hard fan or just here for the occasion. Buy tickets here
