IRB Rugby World Cup
Burgess No.6 for Bath regardless of World Cup - Ford
ESPN Staff
July 24, 2015
Sam Burgess
Sam Burgess© (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Bath head coach Mike Ford has insisted Sam Burgess will only be used in the back row at club level, although he understands England's desire to play him in midfield.

Rugby league convert Burgess began his Bath career at centre but ended the season at blindside flanker, where he has been more impressive.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster's decision is partly driven by his desire to have experienced lineout jumpers in his pack, but whatever happens during the World Cup will have no bearing on Bath's plans for the uncapped 26-year-old next season.

"He's only going to play at six," Ford told BBC Radio Bristol. 

"If he was with us in preseason and not with England, he could learn his lineout roles better, but it is what it is.

"I know ultimately he'll come back a better player with his experience at the World Cup, so I'm pretty chilled about it. It doesn't concern me at all. Wherever he plays, he'll contribute to the England team."

England return from their Denver training camp this weekend, with Lancaster expected to trim a further five or six players from his squad before their first warm-up against France on August 15.

© ESPN Staff

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