Sam Burgess made his return to rugby league with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2016, following a tumultuous stint in rugby union which proved to be both financially rewarding and profoundly unsuccessful.
His swift inclusion in England’s 2015 Rugby World Cup squad, despite questionable suitability, stands as a testament to a series of misjudgments involving Burgess, Bath, and the player himself. The debacle represents arguably the most significant failure in cross-code sports history.
While Burgess’s capabilities as a player are not disputed, the entire episode unfolded as a calamity.
Reportedly, Burgess earned approximately £500,000 during his time with Bath, surpassing the earnings of any other Premiership player during that period.
Additionally, Bath forked out an initial transfer fee exceeding £270,000 to secure his services from South Sydney, totaling owner Bruce Craig’s investment in the cross-code athlete to nearly £800,000.
Furthermore, Burgess accrued over £100,000 from his five appearances for the England national team. Each match earned him a £15,000 fee from the RFU, and he also received £38,332 from the £1.19 million World Cup bonus distributed among Stuart Lancaster’s squad.
Collectively, Burgess’s venture into rugby union came at an estimated cost of around £880,000 to the involved parties, although Bath may have recouped some of their initial expenditure through dealings with the South Sydney Rabbitohs. A crazy series of events.
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Notably, a striking facet of Owens’ chosen players is their collective leadership qualities, with the majority of the selected individuals having served as captains for their respective nations.
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”
