Sam Burgess revealed yesterday that he stepped away from rugby union because his “heart just isn’t in it.”

Burgess last week left Bath to return to the South Sydney Rabbitohs as he brought to an early end his time in rugby union to return to league.

The decision, coming so soon after a dismal World Cup for England in which Burgess’s performances — and England’s decision to select him ahead of Luther Burrell — came under the microscope, has led to recriminations as coach Stuart Lancaster clings to his job.

Burgess has been criticised for giving up on union only a year after his move to Bath but the 26-year-old insisted it was the best decision for all involved.

“My decision to leave Bath and move back to Australia was for personal reasons but it was also because I wanted to spend the rest of my career playing the game that’s in my heart,” Burgess said.

“Rugby league is in my heart. I’m looking forward to getting back to Sydney, where I’ll be with my family and playing for the Rabbitohs alongside my brothers again.

“Part of me is disappointed to be leaving. Everyone is saying I’ve taken the easy option but it would have been easier to stay and play on in union.”

Burgess went on to say that he felt it would have taken him 18 months to get back into the England team and with his contract ending at the same time, it is best for him to return to where his heart is.

“The way I explained it was that my heart just isn’t in it and if my heart’s not in it then they won’t get the best performances from me,” he said.