Sam Burgess signs for Bath

The Rugby Paper Team

11 years ago

Sam Burgess and Bath have ended weeks of speculations by confirming the Rugby League star will switch code and join the West Country side in October.
The 25-year-old man mountain (6ft 5in and 18st), who is currently playing in the NRL with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, joins on a three-year deal after being released of the last two years of his contract in exchanged of an undisclosed transfer fee, believed to be worth £280,000.
Playing prop or loose forward in rugby league, Burgess has all the attributes to become a powerful inside centre in rugby union with an exciting mix of pace and power.
If he makes a swift transition, the former Bradford Buls could put his hand up for the upcoming World Cup which was the driving force behind his decision to switch code.
He said: “This has been a tough decision for me to make, as I’ve loved my time in Sydney with the Rabbitohs. However, I’m very excited about the challenge that this move offers me.
“I’m happy this has all been sorted out before the start of the (NRL) season so that I can concentrate on my game and the team without any other things in the way.
“With 2015 being a Rugby World Cup, it was an opportunity I had to pursue and I thank the Rabbitohs for allowing me to make this move and start the next chapter in my sporting career.
“Bath are a very ambitious club, who have a talented young squad, brilliant coaches and a world class set-up and ethos, and I can’t wait to get my head down and start learning the game. Having said that, until the move, my focus will be completely on the Rabbitohs and helping them go one step further.”
Head Coach Mike Ford, added: “I’ve known Sam since his rugby league days in England and he is an exceptionally talented athlete. He’s hard working, a huge presence both on and off the field, and an ambitious young Englishman, all of which are qualities that we are building our squad around. I’ve no doubt Sam will fit in seamlessly here at Bath and we’re looking forward to having him join us and start making the transition.”