Warrington Wolves shocked the world when they announced that they would be replacing former Leeds Rhinos and Castleford Tigers boss Daryl Powell with Sam Burgess.
Perhaps the best player the British game has produced in the 21st Century, Burgess started his career at Bradford Bulls but became an iconic figure with the South Sydney Rabbitohs especially as he won the Man of the Match in the 2014 Grand Final with a broken cheekbone.
He is currently working for the club as Assistant Coach but in a huge shock development, he has been sacked by the club after he put pressure on head coach Jason Demetriou for his preferential treatment of Latrell Mitchell and Cody Walker.
After a meeting with the club today it has been decided that Burgess will leave the club effective immediately.
The Rabbitohs made the following statement:
“The South Sydney Rabbitohs have agreed with Sam Burgess today that he will be released from his assistant coaching duties for the remainder of the season to allow him to concentrate on his forthcoming role with the Warrington Wolves and the impending birth of his child.”
Burgess will join the Wire for the 2024 Super League season having agreed a two-year contract.
Following his retirement from a decorated playing career in 2019, Burgess has transitioned into the coaching set-up at South Sydney Rabbitohs, currently working as an Assistant Coach for the NRL side.
Burgess is one of the most renowned and respected leaders in the global game. The former England captain famously led the Rabbitohs to the 2014 NRL title, being awarded the Clive Churchill Medal despite suffering a broken cheekbone in the opening minute.
He represented England and Great Britain on 26 occasions during his playing career and captained the national team to the World Cup Final in 2017 under the stewardship of Wayne Bennett.
As part of the review of the Rugby department, Gary Chambers will be promoted to Director of Rugby. He will have an overarching responsibility for the Rugby department from first team downwards.
Chambers will remain in interim charge for the remainder of the 2023 season before taking up the new role.
