South Sydney Rabbitohs forward Sam Burgess has opened up on his move back to Rugby League – admitting that his heart just wasn’t in his spell in rugby union.
Burgess copped huge amounts of criticism from people in the 15-man code during his time with Bath and England, before eventually sealing a move back to league with Souths last week after a fortnight of speculation.
And, speaking to the Daily Mail, Burgess admitted it was tough going in and speaking to Bath coach Mike Ford about his exit – but said his heart just wasn’t in the switch.
“It was tough going in to see Mike (Ford, Bath’s head coach) to ask to be released from my contract,” he said.
“I know I have disappointed some of the players and fans at Bath. I completely understand why they would feel that way. I am sorry for the fact that I’ve left a hole in that team.”
“But the way I explained it was that my heart just isn’t in it, and if my heart’s not in it then they won’t get the best performances from me.”
Burgess also admitted that the way former union players spoke out about his performances made him feel like they didn’t want him to succeed – insisting he didn’t want to remain in a sport like that.
“Some ex-players just kept letting rip. It was a losing battle from day one. I couldn’t believe it.
“It’s almost like they don’t want anyone else to do well in the jersey. That’s definitely the feeling I got in rugby union. And since the tournament, there have been players coming out in the press, leaking stories. I find that really disappointing and I didn’t want to stay in a sport like that.”