Burgess fires back over criticism

Sam Burgess has claimed that “individual egos” and “selfish players” contributed to England’s painful 2015 World Cup demise.

Burgess was part of an England squad that crashed out in the pool stage, the first host nation in Rugby World Cup history to suffer that fate.

Head coach Stuart Lancaster and defence specialist Andy Farrell, who will succeed Joe Schmidt as Ireland boss after next year’s World Cup, were among those who departed Twickenham in the aftermath of events three years ago.

In a series of tweets yesterday, rugby league star Burgess, who won five union caps for England in 2015 during a stint with Bath, has hit out following criticism on social media of his role in that tournament.

Burgess tweeted: “I seem to be getting a few tweets regarding the Rugby WC in 2015… Still. If people actually rewatched the games I participated in you will see I added to the team. What cost us an early exit was individual egos and selfish players not following our leader. Which ....

“Essentially cost the coach and other great men their jobs. Tournaments are not won by the coaching staff or one player. It takes a commitment from the full group. I guarantee you this, I was committed but others had their own agendas. I have fond memories of my time in RU

“And some great friends. One day I will tell my side of the story, but for now I love watching @England Rugby and cannot wait to see them as they prepare for the 2019 WC.”