Sam Burgess has insisted he must scrap all thoughts of his England ambitions and focus on honing his rugby union skills at Bath.
The rugby league convert admitted he has learned more in the last three weeks than at any time of his cross-code switch.
Burgess made his England bow in the second-string Saxons’ 18-9 victory over Ireland Wolfhounds in Cork in January, but is refusing to target his Test debut.
Bath have slipped out of the Aviva Premiership play-off places after losing their past three matches – leaving Burgess refusing to countenance any talk of making the autumn’s World Cup.
“I’ll leave it to others to talk about that,” Burgess said of his England chances.
“For me it’s probably important not to comment on it, and just get on with my work at Bath, which I’m doing, and having fun doing it as well.
“I’ve just got to get on with the job at Bath, knuckle down and work hard.
“I’ve learned more in the last three weeks than at any point.
“It would be great to be learning quickly and winning at the same time, but that’s just sport.”
Burgess has been battling for form and to learn the union ropes ever since making the switch from NRL premiers South Sydney.
The 26-year-old former rugby league star had been heralded as a potential addition to Stuart Lancaster’s World Cup squad even before he had graced Bath’s colours this term.
But Burgess has not adjusted as quickly as expected, with Bath head coach Mike Ford claiming the battering ram has been “frustrated” by his staccato progress.
Rumours have even flown around about a potential return to league, but Burgess himself insists he is relishing his challenge.
Burgess enjoyed superstar status in Australia after guiding the Rabbitohs to a drought-breaking premiership last year and he remains in close contact with the club’s owner, Russell Crowe.
“Russell is almost like an older brother and father figure in some ways,” Burgess said.
“He gives me advice about everything, we’re still in regular touch and we speak three or four times a week.
“I do value his opinion: he’s a smart guy with a great outlook on a lot of things.
“It’s great to have people like that to take advice from through your career.”
