Sam Burgess leaves Bath as league return beckons

Sam Burgess has left Bath with immediate effect, according to the BBC.

Dual-code international Burgess is set to head back to rugby league after completing only one year of a three-year deal at the Recreation Ground.

The news comes less than 24 hours after Bath owner Bruce Craig stated that Burgess, who played for England at the rugby union World Cup, would be seeing out the remainder of his contract.

Burgess was selected as an inside centre for England at the World Cup, having played predominantly at flanker for Bath, and received criticism for his performances as Stuart Lancaster's side crashed out in the group stage.

As reports of his departure began to leak out, former England centre Will Greenwood tweeted: "Am I hearing @SamBurgess8 has left Bath? If so rugby union has let the lad down.."

Another ex-England back, Ugo Monye, wrote: "Sam Burgess gone with immediate effect... Could've been a top player with TIME - just needed TIME!"