Sam Burgess’s decision to quit Bath to return to rugby league after just one season in union let down “the lads who would die for this club”, ex-clubmate George Ford said.
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“I certainly respect what the players go through in the game but for me you play rugby league with passion and heart and that’s why my heart lies in rugby league”.
The 26-year-old switched codes for the second time after just 12 months last week following a disastrous World Cup for England that ended in a humiliating pool stage exit, later revealing his heart just was not in it.
“It’s different training, so I think it improves me as an athlete all round”, he said.
“I enjoyed the sport but deep down rugby league offered me something different”.
The decision, coming so soon after a dismal World Cup for England in which Burgess’s performances – and England’s decision to select him ahead of Luther Burrell – came under the microscope, has led to recriminations as coach Stuart Lancaster clings to his job.
“I think what it’s done is brought us all closer together”, Ford told the Wiltshire Times.
Sam Burgess believes his controversial 12-month stint in rugby union has made him a better player as he prepares for his return to the NRL.
Bath coach Mike Ford (previously his biggest fan) said he “didn’t have the stomach” to honour his contract with the Premiership club, while Ford’s son George suggested Burgess may be afraid of hard work. “A few have said they are disappointed in me, but they understand”.
“Fordy’s entitled to what he wants to say but I guess it’s just more of a reflection on himself than me. I never even questioned really about looking elsewhere, any other clubs”, he said.
Bath have been looking to boost their back-row options following the departure of Sam Burgess and Denton will provide plenty of cover due to his ability to play at both number eight and blindside flanker.
“We finished at the World Cup and I was deflated with the way things had gone and how the “blame game” was played out and dealt with”. I had to weigh up what was in my heart.
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“I know this wasn’t an easy decision for him and I, and everyone at the club, wish him all the very best for the future”.
