Sam Burgess visa issues may prevent Warrington coach from travelling to Las Vegas

Sam Burgess’ Las Vegas debut as coach of the Warrington Wolves is in limbo currently with the former South Sydney star seeking urgent US visa approval just days before his club is due to play.

Warrington coach Sam Burgess is racing the clock to be cleared to fly to the US after making a mercy dash to London to have his visa formally approved.

It is understood that Burgess’ arrival is now in limbo as he waits to see if his visa will be cleared in time before the Super League clubs leave for Las Vegas in the coming days.

Burgess’ Warrington side is due to play Wigan as part of the historic four-game rugby league showcase in Las Vegas on Sunday.

It has been a common occurrence for NRL stars who have had issues with police to be interviewed at the US consulate before being given the green light to travel. The likes of Josh Papalii, Tom Starling, Reece Walsh and Luke Brooks are among the players in the past two years who have had formal interviews before they were allowed to leave Australia.

However, it is the lateness of Burgess’ application which may delay his arrival or even prevent him from attending the match in time.

Warrington Wolves coach Sam Burgess is in danger of missing the Las Vegas extravaganza. Picture: Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images

Burgess pleaded guilty to three driving charges in 2021 including testing positive to a roadside drug test to cocaine, driving an unregistered vehicle, and driving without a NSW licence. He avoided conviction and was instead ordered to complete a traffic offenders program. Burgess left Australia to coach Warrington last year.

It has been confirmed that Burgess is the midst of going through the interview process. Burgess and Warrington chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick were contacted for comment.

The US consulate in London is about a four-hour drive from Warrington where Burgess’ coaches.

Burgess’ Warrington side play Catalans on Saturday having beaten his brother Tom Burgess’ Huddersfield side last week.

Outside the four NRL sides, Burgess is one of star attractions of this year’s Las Vegas extravaganza. The 36-year-old was one of the biggest names in rugby league as a player, etching his name in folklore when he helped South Sydney end a 43-year premiership drought in 2014 with a fractured eye socket.

He has since entered the coaching ranks and led Warrington to the finals last season. He is expected to eventually return to the NRL to coach, although he is contracted to Warrington until the end of next season.