Bath coach Ford confident Sam Burgess will stay in rugby union

Dewsbury-born Burgess, who has two years left on his contract with the Aviva Premiership runners-up, has taken a break in Spain to ponder his future with reports stating a return to league outfit South Sydney Rabbitohs is under serious consideration.

The 26-year-old was a controversial selection for England’s World Cup squad and his presence is understood to have been a divisive issue among players due to his lack of union experience.

He has not been involved in Bath’s two Premiership matches so far this season and Ford confirmed he has been given time off ahead of his expected return to the Recreation Ground on Monday.

“Last week Sam came back into training because initially that’s what he wanted, but then he did and he didn’t quite feel right,” Ford told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

“We decided to give him time off there and then, which means that he’s gone away to get refreshed and will be back in training on November 2.

“There are no dramas here. Everyone has put two and two together, seen him sitting next to (England rugby league coach) Steve McNamara watching his brother play rugby league.”

When asked if he was 100 per cent certain that Burgess would stay at Bath, Ford said: “Yes. I’ve spoken to Sam many times. We’ve talked about him coming back to Bath, rolling up his sleeves up and playing six for us.”