England hopeful Sam Burgess delighted by selection for England Saxons

Bath's cross-code star Sam Burgess is delighted at being called into the England Saxons squad ahead of next week's clash with Ireland Wolfhounds.

The 26-year-old has started just three games for the Aviva Premiership club since switching from rugby league but having shown significant improvement, and a man-of-the-match performance in the 39-26 over Wasps, has been called up to the England second string.

Burgess told Sky Sports News HQ: "It's great. It'll be my first taste of international rugby union. I'm looking forward to getting in there and there are a few guys from Bath. I'll meet the others next week.

"Andy Farrell called up and told me last night. We've got a big game here at Bath against Glasgow on Sunday so we'll get that one done and then take it from there.

"Andy was pretty cool and casual with it. He just told me I was in the team. He said to stay open minded and be willing to learn. I'm sure I'll learn a lot and pick things up over the week.

"Week by week I'm improving, certainly, due to more time on the training field and more time in the first team. I've got to keep trying to build on that. I'm looking to do that over the next few weeks.

Week by week I'm improving, certainly, due to more time on the training field and more time in the first team. I've got to keep trying to build on that. I'm looking to do that over the next few weeks.

"I think I can concentrate on playing at 12. I enjoyed it in the back row but 12 is the best for me at the moment. Hopefully it works out with positions. I'm really enjoying it at the moment.

"It's a long way until the World Cup and I'll take it step by step. This is the first step and we'll see how it goes. I'm certanily going to look forward to it and enjoy the experience."

Burgess will be joined in the Saxons squad by club-mates Henry Thomas, Rob Webber, Matt Garvey and Ollie Devoto.