Sam Burgess stands down from coaching duties, South Sydney breaks silence
South Sydney has released a statement addressing the stunning allegations levelled at Sam Burgess, who has stood down as from coaching duties on the eve of the NRL finals. READ THE STATEMENT HERE
NRL
Don't miss out on the headlines from NRL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Sam Burgess has stood down from his coaching duties at South Sydney just days out from the club’s must-win match against Newcastle.
The decision was made in the wake of explosive allegations that have rocked the former NRL star and the Rabbitohs franchise.
“I have today stood down from all work commitments,” Burgess said.
Burgess was part of the Rabbitohs bubble and was working as an assistant coach since retiring at the end of last year. South Sydney play Newcastle in a do-or-die clash on Sunday.
The club released a statement addressing the allegations, saying it will co-operate with the NRL Integrity Unit’s investigation into the matter.
Watch the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership Finals on Kayo. Every game before the Grand Final Live & On-Demand with no-ad breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
“The allegations in Friday’s The Australian newspaper are very concerning and the Club is treating them with the utmost seriousness. There is no place in our society for violence, harassment or abuse against women. If anyone is found guilty of allegations of this nature, the Club will take the strongest possible action,” the statement reads.
“The Club takes issues of drug use very seriously and has well-established policies and procedures in place around the use of performance enhancing or illicit/recreational/prescription drugs. The Club will continue to work closely with ASADA and the NRL which administer testing of the players. The Club will also continue to work with the playing group to support their wellbeing and educate them about drug use.
RISE AND FALL: BURGESS’ 11-YEAR CAREER IN THE HEADLINES
“The Rabbitohs welcome the NRL Integrity Unit’s investigation in relation to these allegations and will fully co-operate with the investigation. The Club is supportive of Sam Burgess’s decision to step down from his role at the Club while the NRL Integrity Unit investigation is underway.”
Earlier, NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo said Burgess had stepped aside from his coaching position with the club immediately pending further investigations.
“I believe Sam Burgess has stood himself down from South Sydney duties this weekend and I also believe he has stood down from Fox Sports as well.
MORE BURGESS NEWS
Sam Burgess: Woman at centre of Burgess sexting affair speaks out
Peter V’landys says NRL will investigate ‘serious’ Sam Burgess claims
Sport Confidential: Inside Sam Burgess’ stunning Rabbitohs NRL comeback bid
“We have worked so hard this season to get to where we are and we really want the focus to be on the football.
“However, there are really serious matters, these are serious allegations.
“This is new information to us, we will act on it, we will do our investigation and we will take the appropriate action.
“It is really important that people fee safe. However, we need to let the course of justice flow.”
Asked if South Sydney medical officer Andrew McDonald was also standing down after it was alleged by The Australian he wrote a prescription in another person’s name, on behalf of Burgess, Abdo said: “I haven’t spoken to the club specifically about what action they are planning to take with the doctor.
“We’re not standing anyone down at this point because they are allegations.”
“I have said this before - our players, our officials and everyone in sport has an ability to make a difference in society.
“We will continue to work hard to make sure we are doing everything we can to create a safer and better society for everyone.”
Burgess has also been stood down from his role at Fox Sports. He has not been on air for three months since entering South Sydney’s strict bubble.
Burgess took on the media and coaching roles after his forced retirement due to injury last year. He still had four years left on his contract worth close to $4 million.
It was reported he would receive about $300,000 a year for the next 10 years at the Rabbitohs. Last month South Sydney appointed Burgess to coach their under-18 SG Ball side alongside premiership winning skipper and former teammate John Sutton.
Burgess was due to be part of the coaching staff ahead of Souths elimination final clash with Newcastle on Sunday at ANZ Stadium.
Recently retired club greats Burgess, John Sutton and Greg Inglis all joined the Rabbitohs coaching staff this year.
Inglis gave up his role as he announced his rugby league comeback with English Super League side Warrington.
Brother Tom is the only Burgess family member still playing at the club and will start at prop in Sunday’s elimination final against Newcastle. Tom Burgess’ twin George left the Rabbitohs at the end of 2019 to join the Wigan Warriors, while the eldest brother in the family, Luke, retired from rugby league in 2018.