New Bath star Burgess: Code switch is not a betrayal
Sam Burgess is ready to show what he can do in rugby union following his code switch, after defending his decision to leave league behind.
The new Bath man, who has signed a three-year deal with the Aviva Premiership side, says moving to union is not a 'betrayal' following criticism from fans.
"I believe we've got a short career and I wanted to experience as much as I can in that time. In terms of betrayal, I don't see it that way," Burgess told ITV News.
"Rugby league will always have a strong part in my heart, it's a great game. it's given to not just me, but my family a lot."
With less than a year until the Rugby World Cup in England, Burgess will be hoping to make an immediate impact in order to stake a claim for a place in Stuart Lancaster's squad.
Burgess, 25, is set to be utilised as an inside forward, having previously operated as a loose forward in league.
The former Bradford Bulls player has returned to England following a successful spell with the South Sydney Rabbitohs where he recently won the NRL Grand Final.
He fractured an eye socket within the first minute, but played on, leading his side to victory.
Burgess admits there to be emotional reasons behind his return to his homeland after four years in Australia.
"I have always had an ambition to have a go at rugby union. I did not think it would come this early.
"I came back (to England) at the end of 2013 to play in the Rugby League World Cup, and I really missed England and English people."
England head coach Lancaster said of Burgess: "Having spoken to him, his mind-set obviously is to make the World Cup squad.
"We have some very good centres who will have something to say about that and he will have to learn quickly, but he’s mentally strong. If he can learn the game he’ll bring an invaluable amount to the group. He is a very, very good player and an impressive person.
"What stands out for me is his mental toughness and strength, the desire to dominate his opposite number. It will be fascinating to see how he goes."
Burgess himself is trying to not get ahead of himself when it comes to representing his country at union.
"First and foremost, it is really important for me to knuckle down, slot into the team at Bath and earn the respect of my team-mates here. That's the most important thing."
Due to his eye socket injury the date of his debut is currently unknown, something that will inevitably heighten the levels of anticipation.