Sporting Advent Calendar #4: Sam Burgess debacle leaves only one real loser

Sam Burgess arrived at Bath in late 2014 as the best rugby league player in the world, having just inspired the South Sydney Rabbitohs to their first Premiership in 43 years - picking up the Clive Churchill medal for man of the match despite playing the majority of the NRL final with a broken cheekbone.

Burgess had all the attributes to make the successful switch from league to union, physically and technically, however it soon became clear neither Bath nor the English RFU had any idea what to do with the stunning talent they now had at their disposal.

Originally marked as a midfield ball-player and carrier Burgess began union life in the centre but only really shone when we was played in the backrow - yet he was still fast tracked into the England set-up as a 12.

It was clear it would take Burgess a while to master the nuances of a union midfield yet he was included in Stuart Lancaster's 31-man World Cup squad, and then named in the starting England 15 for their tournament defining game against Wales.

England were beaten by the Welsh at Twickenham marking the beginning of the end for their tournament and Lancaster’s tenure - and for some reason, Burgess became the scapegoat.

Whether it was by the English media or Gordon D’Arcy, England’s defeat was largely pinned on Burgess’ tactical shortcomings in midfield, and as a result the 26-year-old became a symbol of the hosts’ inability to make it past the pool stages in their own World Cup.

And so, on November 5th, it was announced Burgess would be making the switch back to league after his ill-fated stint in union.

Bath coach Mike Ford hit out at Burgess, suggesting he "didn't have the stomach" to fight for his union career.

But really, can you blame him?

Burgess left the pinnacle of league to try and make a name for himself in a different code, he was then hideously mismanaged before being made the scapegoat for the shortcomings of English rugby as a whole.

Slammin’ Sam heads back to the club where he is adored in sunny Sydney to play alongside his brothers and marry his Fiancée. Meanwhile the finger pointing in England goes on.

There’s only one real loser out of the whole debacle, and it isn’t Sam Burgess.