Steve McNamara delighted Sam Burgess has returned to rugby league
Friday 6 November 2015 16:10, UK
Head coach Steve McNamara says he will gladly welcome Sam Burgess back into the England squad for next year's Four Nations Series.
After weeks of speculation, Burgess announced on Thursday that he will return to rugby league following a year playing union.
Following his stint with Bath - as well as his ill-fated time with England during the recent World Cup - the 26-year-old is now heading back to South Sydney in the NRL.
And McNamara, who gave Burgess his Super League debut as a teenager with Bradford in 2006, is delighted he has returned to the 13-man code.
McNamara is currently preparing England for Saturday's second Test against New Zealand at the Olympic Stadium and he said of Burgess: "I have no idea where he is right now or what he's doing.
"It's a really good decision for rugby league and he'll be a welcome addition to our group going forward."
Burgess's last appearance for England was during the 2013 World Cup and he could become a key figure for the team when the next tournament is staged in two years' time.
McNamara added: "He was an integral part of our programme up to two years ago and we've missed him.
"There will be an opportunity to bring him back into the fold. As long as he is playing well enough and is injury-free, he'll be available for next year's Four Nations.
"I don't like losing players from rugby league but our athletes are so good, our game does lend itself to players switching codes."
New Zealand head coach Stephen Kearney, assistant coach of Brisbane Broncos, is also pleased to see Burgess' heading back to the NRL.
"It's wonderful to have players of Sam's quality playing our game," he said. "Unfortunately - or fortunately for rugby league - he didn't quite gel to rugby union. I don't think he was given a real opportunity. But it's wonderful to have him back in our game."
