Sam Burgess was the star of the show for English rugby club Bath as they hammered London Irish 43-18.

Former South Sydney NRL star Burgess, who has been shifted to flanker in recent weeks after struggling as a centre, was one of five try-scorers with Leroy Houston, Jonathan Joseph, Matt Banahan and Semesi Rokoduguni also crossing the whitewash while George Ford kicked four penalties and three conversions.

The Exiles were ahead at halftime thanks to Tom Court’s try, but Bath were in imperious form in the second period and coasted to victory – Blair Cowan scored a late consolation.