Robinson hits out at Burgess’ early union exit

By Chief Sports Writer, Abu Dhabi

Former dual code rugby international Jason Robinson has criticised controversial league convert Sam Burgess for not staying to prove himself in union.

Burgess returned to National Rugby League side South Sydney Rabbitohs last month citing personal reasons, just over a year since moving to union outfit Bath.

The 26-year-old had been controversially named in the England squad for the 2015 World Cup in September-October despite his limited experience in his new code.

His inclusion, at centre rather than at flanker where he played for Bath, in the England XV that lost to Wales at the group stage divided opinion, with many pundits openly critical of the decision to play him ahead of recognised centres Luther Burrell and Kyle Eastmond.

Not committed

But Robinson, who enjoyed a bountiful career in both codes, including Challenge Cup success with Wigan and a 2003 World Cup triumph with England’s union side, claims Burgess did not offer the 15-a-side game enough commitment.

“I think ideally another year would have been better for him,” Robinson, who an HSBC ambassador at this weekend’s Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, told Gulf News in a telephone interview. “To have left after one season is not great.

Sam is a great player, but unfortunately I don’t think he gave it as much time as he needed to do.

“I think it is a shame [he went back to league], but it’s probably for more personal reasons than anything else.

“The door is now shut on that one and we’ll never know if he could have been a great rugby union player.”