Former Rabbitohs star Sam Burgess allegedly fails roadside drug test

Former Rabbitohs star Sam Burgess has been arrested after allegedly failing a roadside drug test — but he denies he took any illicit substances.

Sam Burgess has been arrested after allegedly failing a roadside drug test in Sydney.

FORMER NRL star Sam Burgess has denied taking any illicit drugs after he was arrested over allegedly failing a roadside drug test in Sydney.

Police said the 34-year-old was pulled over while driving a BMW x5 on Bunnerong Rd in Kingsford about 10am on Thursday.

Burgess was given a drug test and allegedly returned a positive result.

His lawyer, Bryan Wrench, told The Daily Telegraph his client denies taking any drugs.

“He completely denies any suggestion that he was involved with any illicit drugs and we have obtained a urine sample from an internationally-accredited laboratory confirming that he has not consumed any illicit drugs,” Mr Wrench said.

Sam Burgess was arrested after allegedly failing a roadside drug test - and then charged with allegedly driving while suspended.

Checks by police during the road stop also revealed his licence was allegedly suspended.

Burgess was taken to Maroubra police station where he was charged with driving while suspended.

He is listed to face Waverley Local Court on February 15.

“Inquiries are continuing and police will await the result of a secondary oral fluid analysis,” a NSW Police spokeswoman said.

In a statement posted to social media, Burgess confirmed he had been pulled over by an unmarked police vehicle on the morning of December 22.

“An initial roadside drug test was taken, which showed positive to cocaine,” he wrote.

Burgess with his lawyer Bryan Wrench.

Burgess posted a statement on social media about the incident.

“A court date was issued for driving with a suspended licence.”

Burgess claimed to have independently attended an accredited testing facility for a further test.

“After I was released from the police station, I immediately and voluntarily went to an independent, internationally accredited testing facility and undertook a urine test. The urine sample returned a negative result to all illicit drugs.”

He continued: “I deny any suggestion that I have drugs in my system. I have not consumed, obtained, or possessed any illicit drugs. I have made positive improvements to my life and to my driving since my full licence was returned to me following a 10-month loss of licence. I have undertaken road safety courses and since then I have not incurred any demerit points or fines. I am clean and sober from drugs, living a happy, healthy and balanced life.”

Burgess claimed he had reformed his life following an earlier suspension. Picture: David Swift

Burgess tested positive for cocaine when he was pulled over at Braemar, near Bowral, in the Southern Highlands while on the way to visit his children, who he had with Phoebe Burgess, in 2021.

He pleaded guilty to that charge and was sentenced to a nine-month good behaviour bond without a conviction.

Last year, Burgess was acquitted on appeal of intimidating his former father in law.

Mr Wrench said that wrongful conviction was behind his drug use.