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.”

I seem to be getting a few tweets regarding the Rugby WC in 2015….Still. If people actually rewatched 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 ….

— Sam Burgess (@SamBurgess8) November 27, 2018

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 RU

— Sam Burgess (@SamBurgess8) November 27, 2018

And some great friends. One day I will tell my side of the story but for now I love watching @EnglandRugby and cannot wait to see them as they prepare for the 2019 WC in Japan.

— Sam Burgess (@SamBurgess8) November 27, 2018

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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