Sam Burgess makes astonishing Twitter rant and hits out at 'selfish' England team-mates over 2015 World Cup
Sam Burgess has defended his performances at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, claiming England crashed out due to "individual egos and selfish players".
South Sydney Rabbitohs star Burgess featured for England during a short stint in rugby union, before returning to the NRL, as the host nation were eliminated in the pool stage.
Burgess' performances were criticised and the 29-year-old claimed on Twitter that he still receives messages blaming him for England's failings three years later.
And after sharing a supportive post, the former Bath centre responded and promised that he will further reveal his take on the tournament in the future.
"I seem to be getting a few tweets regarding the Rugby WC in 2015... still," Burgess wrote. "If people actually re-watched the games I participated in, you will see I added to the team.
"What cost us an early exit was individual egos and selfish players not following our leader, which essentially cost the coach and other great men their jobs.
"Tournaments are not won by the coaching staff or one player. It takes a commitment from the full group. I guarantee you this: I was committed but others had their own agendas.
"I have fond memories of my time in rugby union and some great friends. One day I will tell my side of the story but, for now, I love watching England and cannot wait to see them as they prepare for the 2019 WC in Japan."
England bombed out at the group stage of the 2015 tournament, which was hosted by England, leading to Stuart Lancaster and Andy Farrell, among others, to lose their jobs.
Farrell has since been lauded for his defensive work with the British & Irish Lions and Ireland. He was yesterday confirmed as Joe Schmidt's successor as Ireland head coach at the conclusion of the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Lancaster has also had huge success as a senior coach with Leinster, winning the Champions Cup and PRO14 double with the Irish province last season.
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I hope so man, and I hope they still pay Damien the same amount/enough to keep him too, even though it only really makes sense to have one or the other.
The only way things improve, that the future looks bright, is if these players remain in NZ. I don't think I'd enjoy rugby if it was all played offshore, than if there wasn't the Kiwi or Aussie game to enjoy, some I'm happy for the game in NZ to make it or bust.
Unfortunately why appears more and more likely as no news comes out, is that they've had to pull in the budget and Mo'unga is unlikely to be brought out of his contract, or perhaps not even be offered enough (with Dmac running the side) to return at all. The main reason I heard for his return can only get weaker and weaker as time heals I would have thought. So it looks like NZR will try and last as long as they can, being frugal with their money, until it all finally peters out.
Go to commentsWellington halfback Kyle Preston is a great signing for the Crusaders. I was impressed with him last year and he has won the Bronco twice , before and after Christmas. We also have Noah Hotham , who was brilliant in the wins over the Chiefs and the Blues and got in to the AB's . Mitchell Drummond is a real leader at the Crusaders and played over 100 games. 3 outstanding halfbacks to choose from.I look of another new Crusader Aki Tuivailala. He impressed with Waikato last year. Plenty of talent coming through the ranks in this country.
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