Select Edition

Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
NZ NZ

'I’m not running away or hiding' - Burgess responds to sexting claims

By Online Editors
Sam Burgess faces media over allegations engulfing Rabbitohs (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Sam Burgess has finally spoken after his social media account was allegedly used to send graphic images to a 23-year-old woman.

ADVERTISEMENT

The former England rugby union international, who played at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, now plys his trade in Australia’s NRL for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. The woman claims that one of Rabbitohs players exposed his genitals, while another flashed his backside during an online video chat last May.

The claims are being investigated by an NRL integrity unit investigation.

Burgess has finally broken his silence on the scandal.

“I’m not running away or hiding,” he said, “I’m here to tell you there is an inquiry going on and until then I can’t talk about it.”

He was speaking ahead of the Rabbitohs preliminary final against the Roosters, but it was matters off the field which dominated the press conference.

“I’m not angry. What hurts me the most is seeing my wife upset about what’s out there.”

“I’m completely happy to be going through the process. I’ve been open and honest with everything. Hopefully, it’s resolved quickly”.

Continue reading below…
You may also like: Siya Kolisi speak about All Blacks win

Video Spacer

ADVERTISEMENT

Papparazi have reportedly been surrounding his home since the story broke and when asked about it the 29-year-old said: “I just want to protect my family in this whole thing. I’ve got a wife. I’ve got a daughter. My wife’s heavily pregnant. I just want them to be safe and happy. In my current situation at home there’s just no chance of that.”

“With respect to my wife, my family, my wife’s family, it’s been a tough process to go through, the family together,” he said.

“I’m fortunate that I’ve got a strong wife. I’ve got a wife who loves me. I’ve got great family. I’ve got great friends. Great support around me to help me through these allegations that have been made. It’s been a tricky few days.

In a statement, the Rabbitohs said last week: “The club will deal with the complaint thoroughly and will move as quickly as it possibly can to conclude the investigation. The findings of the investigation will be thorough and transparent.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Earlier this month Burgess agreed a four-year contact extension with the club keeping him in the Cardinal Red and Myrtle Green until the end of 2023.

Speaking at the time of his contract announcement the club said: “Burgess, 29, is widely regarded as one of the best Rugby League players in the world, having played a leading hand in the Rabbitohs’ 21st premiership victory in 2014, leading his country of England as captain, and developing himself into an influential person within the sporting community both in Australia and overseas.”

Video Spacer
ADVERTISEMENT

Join free

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | Episode 6

Sam Warburton | The Big Jim Show | Full Episode

Japan Rugby League One | Sungoliath v Eagles | Full Match Replay

Japan Rugby League One | Spears v Wild Knights | Full Match Replay

Boks Office | Episode 10 | Six Nations Final Round Review

Aotearoa Rugby Podcast | How can New Zealand rugby beat this Ireland team

Beyond 80 | Episode 5

Rugby Europe Men's Championship Final | Georgia v Portugal | Full Match Replay

Trending on RugbyPass

Comments

Join free and tell us what you really think!

Sign up for free
ADVERTISEMENT

Latest Features

Comments on RugbyPass

TRENDING
TRENDING ‘It’s about his career’: Why NRL star Payne Haas could jump codes ‘It’s about his career’: Why NRL star Payne Haas could jump codes
Search