Under pressure England coach Stuart Lancaster has insisted that he knows nothing about a rumoured switch back to Rugby League for Sam Burgess.
According to ITV, the bookmaker Ladbrokes has stopped taking bets on a return to Rugby League for Sam Burgess after numerous large bets were taken on a move to Leeds Rhinos after the World Cup has ended.
If he were to return to League, it would mark an end in an incredibly short Rugby Union career after only joining Bath last season. He has also been fast-tracked into the England set-up, with Lancaster hoping to see Burgess repeat his brilliant performances in the 15-man code after shining in Rugby League.
However, his rapid rise into the England set-up has not been without problems. Mainly of which, has been his lack of form for club side Bath and the failure to nail down a specific position within either the Bath or England teams. It has meant that Burgess has been a subject of attention, especially with England going out early with Burgess failing to do anything of note in his one start and two substitute appearances. He has in fact been dropped from the 23 for the final game against Uruguay.
However, despite his inability to perform well so far in Rugby Union, Lancaster has said he expects Burgess to continue playing for Bath.
“I’ve not had any conversations with him about a move to rugby league at all,” Lancaster said.
“Genuinely, 100 percent I didn’t know that story was out there. My last conversation with him was about him going back to Bath. He can’t wait to get stuck into the Premiership.”
“He feels he’s made good strides as a player and he wants to continue to improve. Bath will be delighted to have him back and I can’t see anything changing in that regard.”
