Clive Woodward attacks RFU over Sam Burgess

Former pros have criticised how Burgess was handled during England's doomed World Cup campaign Credit: Press Association

Sir Clive Woodward has launched a stinging attack on English rugby following Sam Burgess' return to the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

The World Cup-winning coach described it as "embarrassing", "arrogant" and a "laughing stock".

26-year-old Burgess, who is from Dewsbury, has decided to go back to rugby league after just one season in union, cutting short his stint with Bath to rejoin old club Souths on a three-year deal.

Burgess, who says he has missed his family in Australia, found himself in the spotlight during England's miserable World Cup campaign having been fast-tracked into the national set-up despite his lack of experience.

His premature return to league means he will be considered among the biggest cross-code flops in history, but Woodward believes it is wrong to lay any blame on the player and has heavily criticised the Rugby Football Union for its part in the "total mess" English rugby currently finds itself.

It was confirmed on Thursday that Burgess, who won five caps for England under Stuart Lancaster, was heading back to Australia to rejoin brothers George and Tom at the Rabbitohs in time for the start of next year's NRL campaign.