TWITTER REACTION TO SAM BURGESS LEAVING BATH:
"To all @SSFCRABBITOHS fans and Members in good standing ( @SSFCMembership) , Merry Christmas !@SamBurgess8" - Actor and South Sydney co-owner Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe)
"Guess who's coming home?" - South Sydney chairman, Nick Pappas. (@navlakas)
"If it's true about @SamBurgess8 then it's a sad day for the rugby world and a great one for @SSFCRABBITOHS" - New Zealand dual code international Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams).
"Awsome news heard @SamBurgess8 is comeing back into the game we love! #greatforthegame" - Newcastle Knights second-rower Tariq Sims (@sims_tariq)
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"Good to have you back @SamBurgess8 Great outcome for league.Fancy a game for @England_RL in next week? #SaveBurgessIsComplete @LeagueWeekly" - Fox Sports commentator Andrew Voss (@andrewvossy)
"Is Sam Burgess available for Saturday lol" - Former Wigan, Great Britain and England international winger Martin Offiah (@martinoffiah).
"If true then so sorry 2 c @SamBurgess8 go. Nothing but respect 4 you mate and what you do. Will be following your journey- inspired as ever" - England World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson (@jonnywilkinson).
"So @SamBurgess8 has left Rugby Union. A sad end to a chapter that the England coaches handled so badly" - Former England captain Will Carling (@willcarling).
"If @SamBurgess8 has gone back to league then it's fair to say @EnglandRugby should hold their hand up. What a waste, what a mess" - London Welsh and former England fly-half Olly Barkley (@ollybarkley).
"The Burgess story is a lesson in one thing - world cups are not the place to try out untested talent. RU fans did not want him to fail; too many wanted him to succeed too early & poor selection. Good luck to a great player." - Former England hooker Brian Moore (@brianmoore666).
"All the Best mate, you are going back to your strength and where you are respected @SamBurgess8" - Former dual code Welsh Rugby international & British Lion John Devereux (@DevereuxJohn13).
"Sam Burgess gone with immediate effect... Could've been a top player with TIME - just needed TIME!" - Former Harlequins, England & British & Irish Lions player Ugo Monye (@ugomonye).
"Sorry end to an all-too-short stay. Picked way too early by Eng. We'll never know how good SB could be. Surprised he's choosing to walk" - Radio 5 commentator Alastair Eykyn (@alastaireykyn).
