AP – England head coach Stuart Lancaster says he hasn’t given up hope but Sam Burgess remains only an outside chance of turning out at this year’s rugby World Cup.

After switching codes following last year’s NRL grand final victory with South Sydney, Burgess hasn’t been a standout success in the centres with English club Bath.

With England set to meet Ireland in the Six Nations on Sunday, Lancaster remains upbeat over his progress but insists Burgess pulling on the England jersey during the World Cup starting in September might be a stretch.

“I think he his doing well. He’s been here three months in a new code, playing at highest level,” Lancaster said.

“Realistically the Six Nations was always going to be a push. And the World Cup would be too, but never say never.”

Also on Monday, Lancaster warned his players to stay out of trouble as Steffon Armitage prepares to discover the ruling over his alleged assault charge.

The judgement of a Toulon court is due on Tuesday with French prosecutors having recommended a suspended jail term of between five and six months.

Armitage denies the charge that relates to his arrest alongside team-mate Xavier Chiocci in January following an incident involving a 30-year-old man.

The 29-year-old back row forward is not a member of England’s Six Nations squad, but he may involved at the World Cup if Lancaster decides to temporarily relax the rule on not picking overseas-based players.

“I’ve not spoken to anyone from Toulon or the player. I’ll wait and see how the process unfolds,” Lancaster said.

“Clearly from my point of view, behaviour and standards on and off the field are critically important in any team. We’ll wait and see, but ultimately you know my view on it.”