TWITTER REACTION TO SAM BURGESS LEAVING BATH:

“To all @SSFCRABBITOHS fans and Members in good standing ( @SSFCMembership) , Merry Christmas !@SamBurgess8” – Actor and South Sydney co-owner Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe)

“Guess who’s coming home?” – South Sydney chairman, Nick Pappas. (@navlakas)

“If it’s true about @SamBurgess8 then it’s a sad day for the rugby world and a great one for @SSFCRABBITOHS” – New Zealand dual code international Sonny Bill Williams (@SonnyBWilliams).

“Awsome news heard @SamBurgess8 is comeing back into the game we love! #greatforthegame” – Newcastle Knights second-rower Tariq Sims (@sims_tariq)

“Good to have you back @SamBurgess8 Great outcome for league.Fancy a game for @England_RL in next week? #SaveBurgessIsComplete @LeagueWeekly” – Fox Sports commentator Andrew Voss (@andrewvossy)

“Is Sam Burgess available for Saturday lol” – Former Wigan, Great Britain and England international winger Martin Offiah (@martinoffiah).

“If true then so sorry 2 c @SamBurgess8 go. Nothing but respect 4 you mate and what you do. Will be following your journey- inspired as ever” – England World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson (@jonnywilkinson).

“So @SamBurgess8 has left Rugby Union. A sad end to a chapter that the England coaches handled so badly” – Former England captain Will Carling (@willcarling).

“If @SamBurgess8 has gone back to league then it’s fair to say @EnglandRugby should hold their hand up. What a waste, what a mess” – London Welsh and former England fly-half Olly Barkley (@ollybarkley).

“The Burgess story is a lesson in one thing – world cups are not the place to try out untested talent. RU fans did not want him to fail; too many wanted him to succeed too early & poor selection. Good luck to a great player.” – Former England hooker Brian Moore (@brianmoore666).

“All the Best mate, you are going back to your strength and where you are respected @SamBurgess8” – Former dual code Welsh Rugby international & British Lion John Devereux (@DevereuxJohn13).

“Sam Burgess gone with immediate effect… Could’ve been a top player with TIME – just needed TIME!” – Former Harlequins, England & British & Irish Lions player Ugo Monye (@ugomonye).

“Sorry end to an all-too-short stay. Picked way too early by Eng. We’ll never know how good SB could be. Surprised he’s choosing to walk” – Radio 5 commentator Alastair Eykyn (@alastaireykyn).