Sam Burgess eager to help grow rugby league internationally, says brother George

George Burgess says brother Sam will stay involved with the game and help it to grow, following his injury-forced retirement.

Sam, 31, hung up his boots in October due to a chronic shoulder injury and so will only be an interested spectator when the rugby league season starts in earnest this month.

The dual-code international hasn’t revealed his post-playing plans, though is keen to get involved with growing the international game.

Younger brother George has swapped South Sydney for Wigan, and will become the fourth brother to make his Super League debut, some 14 years since Sam was the first.

Luke made his bow for Harlequins against Catalans in May 2007, while George’s twin Tom debuted for Bradford in 2011.

Burgess said: “A lot of people ask me how he is, but he’s actually doing great. He’s embracing his life after playing rugby and he’s got such a bright future in front of him in terms of what he can achieve.

“He’ll be involving in the game, whether it be in the media or in the backroom to build the game in England, it’s a real passion of his.

“He’d like to be part of the game grow internationally.

“I’m the last brother to play Super League, so he’s over here to watch that.”