Julie Burgess heartbroken by Sam’s defection to RU

Julie Burgess, the high-profile mother of Sam Burgess, has admitted that she was very disappointed when her son told her he was heading to rugby union.

The South Sydney powerhouse forward is set to leave the NRL after this weekend’s Grand Final against the Canterbury Bulldogs, and sign for Bath RUFC.

The player’s mother is sad to see him go to the other code, but is hopeful that he will return to league one day.

“It was pretty heartbreaking,” Julie Burgess told the Sydney Morning Herald.

“I remember Sam sitting me down on Coogee steps and saying ‘Mum, I have got something to tell you’. I was looking in his eyes and realised it was something pretty serious.

“When he told me what he was planning on doing I said ‘no Sam, you can’t do this. Don’t break my heart. We are all here now’.

“But when he explained his reasons and what goals he had set for himself, how could you not respect that. I hope he will come back but I totally respect his decision.”

Sam’s brothers Luke, Tom and George are also currently playing for the Rabbitohs. With their mother also settled in Sydney, the other brothers currently have no desire to follow Sam to union.

“I think all the boys are very settled here,” Julie Burgess added.

“I was really happy because we really work well as a family when we are all together, we bond well and we see each other nearly every day so it will be strange not having Sam around.

“I can’t believe it. Sam has got this real feel good factor about him and when you are around Sam you feel good so I am going to miss him.

“But I am staying here, I have got a great life here now. I love Sydney, I love my life and I love my work.”