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

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

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”.

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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.”

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.”