As the world asked what was next for Sam Burgess after England’s miserable exit from last year’s Rugby World Cup, the wheels were already turning behind the scenes. Within weeks he was shuttling through Sydney airport. Returning to rugby league felt like the only logical answer to the question.
To describe Burgess’s time in rugby union as a whirlwind is an understatement. He made his debut as a substitute centre for Bath against Harlequins on 28 November 2014. By 30 January he was playing for England Saxons against the Irish Wolfhounds; on 10 April he was shifted by Bath to flanker; he made his Test debut on 15 August in a World Cup warm-up win against France. England hosted the World Cup but lost at Twickenham to Wales (when his selection was questioned, though his team were ahead when he was replaced) and Australia, to be knocked out in the group stages. On 5 November – 11 months and eight days after coming on against Harlequins – he left Bath and flew south for the winter.
Related: Sam Burgess returns to England rugby league squad for Four Nations
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