England
Campese: Burgess hype is 'bizarre'
ESPN Staff
November 27, 2014
Related Links

Wallabies legend David Campese has questioned the hype surrounding Sam Burgess' switch from league to union.

Burgess has been named in Bath's squad for their Friday night game against Harlequins and will start life in the centres. He comes with a huge billing having been one of the stars of the NRL over the past few seasons.

He picked up a cheek injury in the NRL Grand Final in his final match for the Rabbitohs but he has been fast-tracked by Bath into first team action and is likely to get his first taste of union action on Friday.

There is a school of thought that Burgess could yet play a role for England in the 2015 Rugby World Cup and the management will be keeping a close eye on his development. However, Campese has questioned the hype and says England should be focusing on developing their own players rather than looking to other codes.

"I don't know what the big fuss is about a guy who's never played the game," Campese said. "He's played League but it's a different game to Union.

"Obviously he's a hit-up person and obviously England are looking for someone to hit the ball up, which you do now - you've got them everywhere. But isn't the whole idea about rugby bringing in the young guys? Why do we have to buy players from other codes? It's bizarre!"

David Campese was speaking at the QBE Rugby Behind Enemy Lines event. For more information go to QBErugby.com.

David Campese is nonplussed by Sam Burgess' switch to union © Getty Images
Enlarge
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices