He was staying, he was going, he was staying and then leaving again. The speculation was rife for months that he harboured a return to the NRL and he has it, with Sam Burgess leaving Bath with immediate effect and re-joining the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The three-year deal starts from 2016 for Burgess as rejoins brothers George and Tom at the club where he had previously played 96 games and won an NRL premiership with.
Knowing what he brings to the table as a player on and off the field, Souths coach Michael Maguire is ecstatic to have him rejoin the club.
“I could not be happier to see Sam coming home to the Rabbitohs,†Coach Maguire said.
“He had an enormously positive impact on our Club, both on and off the field, throughout the five seasons he was here, and to be bringing back one of the game’s most dominant players is fantastic for not only our Club, but the game itself.
“He will add starch to our forward pack, and he will bring his leadership qualities to the team as well.”
Maguire acknowledged that wanting to test himself in Union was a big goal for Burgess but now his focus must shift back to league.
“He wanted to test himself in Rugby Union and he achieved many of his goals, becoming a dual International for England and representing his country at a Rugby World Cup,” said Maguire.
“The next chapter is for him to return to the game he was born to play, and we’re over the moon that he is coming home to do that with his Rabbitohs family here at South Sydney.â€
Burgess was quick to thank his rugby union club Bath for their swift handling of the situation to let him move back to the Bunnies.
“I want to thank everyone at England Rugby and Bath for some great memories over the last 12 months,†Burgess said.
“I must also thank Bath especially for granting my release to return home to my family who I have missed more than I could have imagined.
“I am also extremely excited to be joining back up with South Sydney. I cannot wait to get back into the Rabbitohs culture, full of great people and passionate Members and supporters.”
The forward is pleased to return to his home away from home and is excited about what lies ahead.
“I had a wonderful time in England and learnt a lot about the game of Rugby Union as both a back and a forward, and I have definitely developed as an all-round player and athlete after that,” said Burgess.
“I’m now very lucky to be given the chance to come back to Souths and serve this Club and its Members.
“I look forward to getting stuck into training with all the boys and working hard for the upcoming season.”