As we reported last week, Sam Burgess is returning to the NRL after a one-year stint in Rugby, signing a three year deal with South Sydney.
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However, back in the United Kingdom, his defection has resulted in a stream of press criticism for both the 26-year-old and the union officials who encouraged his code hope previous year.
England’s 2003 World Cup-winning coach added: “We are the laughing stock of not only world rugby but also sport and business”.
Former England rugby centre Will Greenwood said: “rugby union has let the lad down”, in a Twitter posting. Anyone who was objective about it could have told Stuart Lancaster he is not ready.
The Mirror was similarly stinging of the dual worldwide and said whoever was responsible for luring him over to union should be “named and shamed”.
“Sam lifts the whole club”.
Lancaster named him in England’s World Cup squad after making just one worldwide appearance. “But I am not holding my breath”.
“I spoke to Sam this morning and he’s got a few mixed feelings because he has a great relationship with coach (Mike) Ford at Bath and also the players there, but he’s going to have a great welcome back when he gets here”. If he stayed with us [rather than being picked for the World Cup] I think he might be still here.
South Sydney coach Michael Maguire is delighted to see Burgess back in rugby league, and back with the Rabbitohs.
Woodward said Burgess had been made a scapegoat after England went out of the World Cup at the group stage, even though the hosts were beating Wales until late on and only fell behind after Burgess was substituted.
Benji Marshall thought he could do it after watching a few videos – he should have played ITM Cup or gone and played a few games in Japan to learn more about rugby before trying teaming up with the Blues.
Queensland Origin forward Chris McQueen is believed to be the player most likely to make way for Burgess, but star centre Dylan Walker has attracted interest from Manly, Gold Coast and Parramatta, while prop Tim Grant has also been linked with an off-season move.
Burgess, 26, played under Maguire for two seasons before his cross-code switch to Bath 371 days before his U-turn on Thursday.
“Obviously he will be a great addition to us moving forward – to have a player of that ability available to play for England is great for us”.
“We have a few really juicy fixtures coming up and knowing Sam as a competitor, he will want to play in those games and if he plays well it will help him”.
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And instead he admits he can’t wait to see him again in an England shirt – but this time in front of rugby league fans who adore him.
