Burgess did talk a lot with SBW about switching.

I tend to agree that part of the problem was Burgess' own rush to get into this RUWC. SBW played RU in France under the radar for a couple of seasons before going back to NZ. He also had a skill set tailor-made for the centres. He never intended to play in the forwards.

As I've mentioned before, Ford was a ruddy idiot as well, signing Burgess simply because he was good at RL. These are quotes from when Burgess signed:

[i"Ford said he had not discussed potential positions with Burgess and had no preconceived ideas.

“First thing is for him to get over here and learn the laws; what he can do and can’t do in the tackle area. When he’s ready he might play a few games in our 2nd team. There’s no hurry, we’ve signed him for three years.

“England seem to want him at 12, and he might end up playing at 12 for us if that where he’s most effective. We’ll just throw him in and see how he goes.”[/i

As an addendum I see Bath's owner reckons he'll stay to the next RUWC.

Mind you in the same article he also reckons that bath always saw Burgess as a forward, which does contradict his coach's comments above.

I suspect Ford will have been very low down on the list of people consulted when they signed Burgess. I also think he might have been trying to be diplomatic. Bath had at the time had several centre options, another was pretty low on the shopping list. But Ford will have been well aware that the England management wanted him to play there.

That'll be the same owner who, in an article in today's Times, appears to suggest that'll be the case unless a huge offer comes in?

Either way, I really don't think SB's headed our way.

The only way SB is coming our way is if Souths do a deal with us for 1yr. If that doesn't happen, we aren't seeing SB in a Rhinos Shirt.

This young player might make a better fist of the conversion to RU:

[urlhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/34722651[/url

Him being a fan of the Game gives him a better understanding for a start. He will give it a good go, with no pressure to make the England Squad in 5-6 months

The BBC is reporting that he's left Bath with immediate effect.
More to follow

Well it's Souths according to BBC. ah wel. It was nice dreaming

How do the BBC know? They are just assuming?

No other news outlet has reported that.

Quote ="krisleeds"How do the BBC know? They are just assuming? No other news outlet has reported that.'" www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/34732141 But ok

Quote ="krisleeds"How do the BBC know? They are just assuming? No other news outlet has reported that.'" www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-union/34732141 But ok

Most of the media has picked the story up. It looks like Souths I hope this includes a 12 month loan to Leeds. Last night McNamara was widely quoted as saying something was happening.

No official confirmation it's the Souths as yet.. there's nothing from the Souths or Leeds. Great news though but it's a crying shame for Super League if he does go to Souths.

Nothing on the Leeds or Rabbits twitter account or websites. No statements, nothing.

Shoddy presumptious journalism from the BBC (as per normal)

Obviously pre-written 'is he a quitter' article now on BBC website.

The BBC really are on a par with the Daily Mail.

Maybe hearing it from Bath players maybe? The Bath local paper is saying he reportedly messaged his Bath teammates this morning to tell them he's leaving.

[urlhttp://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/nov/05/sam-burgess-bath-rugby-union-league[/url

Can't get very excited about him returning to souths. Would have loved him at Leeds for selfish reasons, but deep down would have preferred him to stay at bath and prove the doubters wrong

See what you mean - but at least that dodgy bridge between Union and League is now burnt to a crisp...

Said Ford might want to reign himself in with what he was saying. He's been made to look a bit silly now especially with it happening so hot on the heels of his words on Tuesday.

Problem Bath had was that he only went to RU to play for England.....joining Bath was just a means to an end because he needed a club side to achieve this.

Just heard that he's not going to south's and is going to join Daryl Clark and Westerman at Leeds.

I've heard Sinfield has told Carnegie he doesn't fancy RU anymore and he going to fulfil his long time ambition of joining The 'Wolfs'

Haha like that, maybe to drive Clark to training in case Westerman loses his licence and then he will drive Westerman as well to training

Sounds feasible

Get back to us when you're a top 5 team again

If anything good has come out of being in for but losing out on Sam Burgess. Is that we managed to dodge the Westerman bullet.

Not only does it do the obvious of making other RL players wary of trying it. But also RU clubs are going to be reluctant to try it again I feel after this.

It was basically England who wanted him and convinced him to join and gave him promises about a WC spot. He of course needed to join a club side and Bath was sounded out. England however couldn't help finance it without other clubs kicking off so Bath had to go it alone financially for England's benefit. This then lead to the awkwardness of Bath not having to follow what England wanted and not keeping him at centre for them.

Bath have been made to look silly in this saga and I can't see other clubs rushing to England's aid to heavily finance another big name RL convert.