Sam Burgess dismisses talk of rugby league return and insists he is fully focussed on England

Going nowhere: Bath star dismisses talk of a return to Australia
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Chris Jones15 September 2015

England’s Sam Burgess has hit back at reports that he will return to rugby league after the World Cup, insisting he is totally committed to his career in union.

Australian media reports claimed a return to the South Sydney Rabbitohs, the club he left when switching to rugby union with Bath 10 months ago, is possible, however Burgess - who will be on the replacements bench for the opening Cup match with Fiji and Friday - made it clear he was staying.

The Bath star was the biggest name in rugby league when he swapped codes, and has made it clear that any attempts to unsettle him in his new role it would fail.

England were drawn in the toughest pool with Australia, Wales, Fiji and Uruguay and Burgess could supply Stuart Lancaster’s side with the “x-factor” they will need to finish top.

“I can completely deny it and I haven’t had a word from Australia,” said Burgess. “I don’t know where it has come from but it’s definitely not true. I am not too worried really.

“If the plan is to unsettle me, mate, I am not sure it has worked! I haven’t heard anything and it is just a story, so let’s put it to bed.

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“I am thrilled to be in the squad and I dreamt of being in this position - all 31 players have been working hard to be here,” he added. “We have been enjoying each other’s company and are excited about getting out there on Friday and putting our front foot forward – to see what we can offer. It will be a tough game [against Fiji], no doubt about that.

The 26-year-old is aware of the criticism he has received since moving to union and the doubts over his ability to make an impact at the World Cup.

“It doesn't really knock me,” continued Burgess. “I just get on with my job, I enjoy being in this environment and around the team. That's what means the most to me, what my team-mates think of me.

“If it was coming from inside, it probably would affect me, but it's just a lot of outside noise so it doesn't make too much difference to me.”

“I have a job to do personally for the team and I will try and execute that as well as I can. Stuart has given me the confidence to go out there and be myself and deliver.

“I have never shied away from a challenge and I will enjoy the time I get and it’s important not to try and overdo things in the limited time you get.“

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