Police launch probe into Burgess claims

SAM BURGESS was last night under investigation by police and rugby league authorities in Australia, with his career in limbo amid new claims against him. The Yorkshireman who crossed codes to play for Bath and England, from 2014 to 2015, has stood down from his job as assistant coach at South Sydney Rabbitohs — the club who he led to an NRL title six years ago. He has also temporarily withdrawn from his role as a TV pundit for Fox Sports, as a storm rages around him. Burgess (right) was the subject of explosive allegations about domestic violence and prolific drug use in The Australian newspaper on Thursday, claims he has strongly denied. In the aftermath of the initial revelations which have sent shockwaves around the rugby world, there were more damaging accusations yesterday about the 31-year-old allegedly threatening a rival player and waiting outside his house with the intention of assaulting him. The claims were linked to a ‘sexting’ scandal which engulfed Burgess in 2018. There was a hasty attempt by his embattled club and Australian league authorities to respond to the initial report, which included an allegation that Burgess had attacked his ex-wife Phoebe when she was heavily pregnant. South Sydney held a three-hour board meeting and issued a statement which read: ‘The allegations in today’s The Australian are very concerning and the club is treating them with the utmost seriousness. If anyone is found guilty of allegations of this nature, the club will take the strongest possible action. ‘The club is supportive of Sam Burgess’s decision to step down from his role at the club while the NRL Integrity Unit investigation is under way.’