Burgess eyes World Cup spot after agreeing cross-code switch to Bath
Sam Burgess is dreaming of representing England at the 2015 Rugby World Cup after agreeing a cross-code switch to Bath.
The Great Britain and England rugby league international, currently playing in the NRL with South Sydney Rabbitohs, will move to the Recreation Ground in October on a three-year deal.
Burgess said on the Rabbitohs website: "I'm happy this has all been sorted out before the start of the season so that I can concentrate on my game and the team without any other things in the way.
"An opportunity presented itself to head back home to England and to pursue a chance to represent my country in two different sports.
"With 2015 being a Rugby World Cup, it was an opportunity I had to pursue and I thank the Rabbitohs for allowing me to make this move and start the next chapter in my sporting career."
Burgess, who has scored seven tries in 13 appearances for England's rugby league side, left Bradford Bulls for the Rabbitohs in 2010 and he had three years left on his contract with the NRL side.
He admitted it was not easy to decide to leave the Rabbitohs but is excited about the next phase of his sporting career.
He said: "This has been a tough decision for me to make, as I've loved my time in Sydney with the Rabbitohs. However, I'm very excited about the challenge that this move offers me.
"Bath are a very ambitious club, who have a talented young squad, brilliant coaches and a world class set-up and ethos, and I can't wait to get my head down and start learning the game."
Burgess looks set to challenge for a midfield place whe he arrives at Bath, and he could forge a centre partnership with former St Helens half-back Kyle Eastmond.
Bath head coach Mike Ford added: "I've known Sam since his rugby league days in England, and he is an exceptionally talented athlete.
"He's hard working, a huge presence both on and off the field, and an ambitious young Englishman, all of which are qualities that we are building our squad around.
"I've no doubt Sam will fit in seamlessly here at Bath and we're looking forward to having him join us and start making the transition."