Burgess in England's rugby union World Cup squad

Sam Burgess was included in England's final 31-man squad for the World Cup announced Thursday just 10 months after changing codes from rugby league.

Burgess, the man-of-the-match in South Sydney Rabbitohs' win in the Australian National Rugby League Grand Final, was included after playing just 70 minutes of Test rugby union -- his debut in a 19-14 win over France at Twickenham a fortnight ago seeing him sin-binned for 10 minutes.

The 26-year-old edged out the more experienced Luther Burrell for a place among England coach Stuart Lancaster's centres even though Burgess spent much of last season playing as a back-row forward for Bath.

Henry Slade, who also impressed on his debut against France at Twickenham, was also included in midfield alongside Burgess -- although Jonathan Joseph and Brad Barritt appear to be England's first-choice centres.
Ben Morgan, only recently returned from a broken leg, was included among the back-row forwards with Harlequins veteran Nick Easter missing out while Sale fly-half Danny Cipriani, as was widely forecast, also failed to make it to the final squad.

"It's really positive that we have such depth and options to choose from," said Lancaster.

"Selection wasn't easy and it is tough to leave anyone out but it's important to stress that the players not in this group are still part of our wider squad and could come in at any point."

Tournament hosts England begin the World Cup against Fiji at Twickenham on September 18, having been drawn in a tough group also featuring Australia and Wales. As a result, one of rugby union's major nations will fail to make the last eight as only the top two teams from each pool qualify for the quarter-finals.
Source: AFP