THE INTIMIDATOR
England rugby star is guilty of ‘absolute terror’ to dad-in-law
EX-ENGLAND rugby star Sam Burgess has been convicted of intimidating his former father in law in Australia.
Burgess, 32, who represented England in both codes of the game, was sentenced to a two-year community order at a court in Sydney.
The 6ft 4in former prop forward, nicknamed Slammin’ Sam, became estranged from his wife Phoebe in 2019.
He was charged with intimidation after he visited the home of her father Mitchell Hooke in October that year.
Mr Hooke said he felt “absolute terror” after the star said: “I’m going to get you. You’ve set all of this up.”
But the 18-stone player told the court Mr Hooke had threatened him by saying: “I’m going to destroy you and your career.”
Yorkshire-born dad of two Burgess denied the charge. He said outside court: “I’m confused with the decision, I will appeal the decision and I won’t say anything further.”
His mum Julie supported him, saying he was: “A good father and a good son.”
And his lawyer Bryan Wench added: “He’s innocent, we will go all the way if necessary. He’s done nothing wrong.” Burgess, who captained the England rugby league team, was forced to retire because of a shoulder injury in 2019. He played 270 rugby league matches for Bradford Bulls and South Sydney Rabbitohs, part owned by Aussie actor Russell Crowe, and also played for rugby union club Bath.
He helped South Sydney to a Grand Final victory in 2014 and was named man of the match despite fracturing a cheek bone. He stepped down as assistant coach in October after reports the club covered up alleged drug use and domestic violence. Burgess strongly denied the claims. His lawyer Mark O’Brien said: “The allegations are false and constitute an indefensible defamation against my client.”