Sam Burgess has gone from being a rabbit in the headlights back to being a Rabbitoh.
This afternoon, Sam Burgess told Bath Rugby he was leaving and tonight his old club confirmed his return.
He was a rugby union player for 372 days.
In that time, he must have featured in 372,000 headlines.
Welcome Home @SamBurgess8!
Full Story Here – https://t.co/yRE74AD7Te#GoRabbitohs pic.twitter.com/TZulZb6ZzJ
— South Sydney Rabbitohs 🐰 (@SSFCRABBITOHS) November 5, 2015
The 26-year-old, who made his name in rugby league with Bradford Bulls and South Sydney Rabbitohs, was heralded as the wrecking-ball answer to England’s World Cup dreams.
He has now returned to Russell Crowe’s club, where he won the 2014 NRL title.
Burgess played centre and flanker for Bath Rugby but missed out on England selection during the November Series and 2015 Six Nations. He was called into the World Cup training squad and made the final cut after only two Test caps.
He was used as an impact sub for the opening win over Fiji but promoted to start alongside Brad Barritt for the crucial match against Wales, which England lost.
Somewhat unfairly, the media focused on Burgess’ selection as the main, wobbly pillar of England’s malaise.
Following the World Cup, Bath coach Mike Ford granted him an extended leave of absence while promoting him as a potential flanker for World Cup 2019.
Barring another, unlikely return to union, Burgess will be nowhere near England, or Japan, in 2019.
Bedlam while it lasted.
Am I hearing @SamBurgess8 has left Bath? If so rugby union has let the lad down..
— Will Greenwood (@WillGreenwood) November 5, 2015
