Burgess set for first rugby union start

A – Code-hopping star Sam Burgess’ rugby union education will continue this weekend when he makes his first start for English side Bath.

The 25-year-old has made two substitute appearances off the bench since swapping from NRL premiers South Sydney in October, but will reportedly be picked to start at inside centre for Friday’s European Champions Cup match against Montpellier.

Bath’s first-team coach Toby Booth made the claim that head coach Mike Ford would pick the 116kg Burgess from the opening whistle.

“We know from last weekend that he will bring plenty of physicality, and it will be good for our game plan to have that,” Booth said in the Bath Chronicle.

Burgess’ debut came against Harlequins while he also came off the bench against Montpellier in the away clash at the weekend.

The paper reported that Burgess will start at inside centre, replacing fellow ex-league man Kyle Eastmond.

“The best way for Sam to learn is by being out there,” Booth added.

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