Former NRL star Sam Burgess has scored his first try in rugby union.

Playing at blindside flanker, Burgess crossed just before half-time to put Bath 20-0 up in what became a 44-5 win over London Irish on Monday.

The 26-year-old Englishman had an earlier try effort ruled out after it was deemed to have been held up following a scrum.

Burgess joined Bath from NRL champions South Sydney and has made four first-team appearances, mainly at centre, with his debut from the bench against Harlequins last month.

His obvious potential has attracted the attention of England coach Stuart Lancaster and next year’s home Rugby World Cup is an obvious goal if he can adapt well enough to his new code in that time.