England back Anthony Watson has hailed Sam Burgess' "world-class attributes" as the former rugby league star prepares to enter the national rugby union set-up.
Burgess is poised to feature for the second-string England Saxons against the Irish Wolfhounds in Cork next Friday, just nine weeks after making his union debut.
The fast-tracking has raised eyebrows in some quarters, but Watson has no doubt the 26-year-old Yorkshireman will continue to relish every challenge.
It is understood Burgess is on course to start as part of the Saxons midfield in Cork, despite having so far made only seven first team appearances for Bath since his high-profile code switch from NRL champions South Sydney.
Burgess spent his early weeks in Bath recovering from a facial injury suffered during the NRL grand final, but he then made a debut off the bench against Harlequins in late November before three starts followed, including a try-scoring display in the Premiership victory over Wasps earlier this month.
"You just see the world-class attributes that he's got," Bath teammate Watson told Press Association Sport.
"He is an unbelievable player, and that is not even taking into account him as a leader.
"There a few transferables from league to union that he can give the boys tips about, and a great attribute he's got is to be able to help everyone out and be a leader on the field.
"It's awesome to be a part of, and to be able to play with him is great.
"His settling in at the club has been seamless, to be honest."
For his part, 20-year-old Watson looks set to be an important part of England head coach Stuart Lancaster's plans in the Six Nations Championship this season.
The wing or fullback started England's past three Tests against South Africa, Samoa and Australia and he has been in blistering form for Bath during their push for domestic and European honours this term.
"I just want to keep pushing now that I've had a taste for it," he said.
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