Sam Burgess ruled out of England squad

Sam Burgess has withdrawn from the England squad for the autumn internationals against France and New Zealand to have shoulder and wrist surgery.

Burgess, 29, has won 23 caps and was captain in last year’s World Cup final defeat to Australia.

He said: “I’m gutted that I have had to withdraw from these matches as I love playing for my country and it is a great honour.

“The reality of the situation is that it’s imperative that I get these surgeries done, and with a view to the next three or four years, I need to get them done now.

“I’ll be watching on from Australia and cheering on England against France and New Zealand, and I’m sure the team will do England proud.”

A replacement for the South Sydney forward will be named over the weekend.

England face France at Leigh Sports Village on October 17, before a three-test series against New Zealand at the KCOM Stadium in Hull (October 27), Anfield in Liverpool (November 4) and Elland Road in Leeds (November 11).

Squad: John Bateman (Wigan), George Burgess (South Sydney) Tom Burgess (South Sydney), Daryl Clark (Warrington), Jake Connor (Hull), Luke Gale (Castleford), James Graham (St George Illawarra), Joe Greenwood (Wigan), Chris Hill (Warrington), Josh Hodgson (Canberra), Tom Johnstone (Wakefield), Jonny Lomax (St Helens), Reece Lyne (Wakefield), Tommy Makinson (St Helens), Jermaine McGillvary (Huddersfield), Adam Milner (Castleford), Sean O’Loughlin (Wigan), Mark Percival (St Helens), Stefan Ratchford (Warrington), Luke Thompson (St Helens), Sam Tomkins (Wigan), Elliott Whitehead (Canberra), George Williams (Wigan).