Rugby World Cup
Sam Burgess committed to union but as a flanker, insists Mike Ford
ESPN Staff
October 8, 2015
Burgess will want to prove himself
Related Links

Sam Burgess has committed his future to rugby union for the next four years but "knows" it will be as a flanker not a centre, according to his Bath coach Mike Ford.

Rugby league convert Burgess has come in for some criticism since England's early departure from the Rugby World Cup, having started the Pool A defeat to Wales.

England looking to go out on a high
%]

There have even been suggestions that the 26-year-old is ready to return to league with Leeds Rhinos.

However, his club coach has refuted those claims, insisting he is determined to make a success of his union career -- although not where he has been used by his country.

"Proving he is an international back-rower is the big challenge now for Sam," Ford told The Times. 

"He's always been a No.6 for us, no question. We've talked about next time the England squad gets selected, his goal's got to be to be there as a six.

Opportunities up for grabs in England squad
%]

"The last conversation I had with him, he was going to extend his contract with us and he wanted to go for the next World Cup. He is going to play for us for the next few years. He loves rugby union, he is settled in Bath and he knows he is a six.

"He said to me, 'I know I am a six.' He enjoys being a six, he enjoys the game better because he is more involved."

Burgess returns to Bath next week, and Ford is certain he can prove his quality in a run of games that sees the Aviva Premiership club play Toulon, Leinster, Leicester, Northampton and Wasps.

He said: "If he can play six in those games, against the best in Europe, I am sure England will have a look at him in that role. I am sure he'll break into the international squad as a six."

© 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