BATH head coach Mike Ford says that Sam Burgess could have developed into a force in rugby union had he opted not to walk away from the sport.

In October last year, the 26-year-old made a high-profile switch from rugby league, signing a three-year contract at The Rec before going on to feature in England’s World Cup campaign this summer.

But Bath have this morning confirmed the news that ‘Slammin’ Sam’ has returned to league and rejoined Australian outfit South Sydney Rabbitohs, with whom he won the 2014 NRL (National Rugby League) title.

Rec chief Ford said: “We hoped that Sam would stay at Bath. He was doing really well in making the switch over from league and, given time, he could’ve been a great rugby union player.

“Unfortunately, for personal reasons, he is returning to Australia.

“However, we’re fortunate that we’ve got some very high calibre players here at the club and with a big run of games coming up in the Aviva Premiership and the European Rugby Champions Cup, we’ll be fully focused on these.”

The departing Burgess said: "I must thank Bath, especially for granting my release to return home to my family, who I have missed more than I could have imagined.

“I am also extremely excited to be joining back up with South Sydney. I cannot wait to get back into the Rabbitohs' culture, full of great people and passionate members and supporters.

"I had a wonderful time in England and learnt a lot about the game of rugby union, as both a back and a forward, and I have definitely developed as an all-round player and athlete after that."