Sam Burgess shows off new lover after drug test saga

It was all smiles for embattled former NRL star Sam Burgess, who celebrated Christmas in style just days after allegedly failing a roadside drug test.

Sam Burgess and his new girlfriend, Lucy Graham, celebrated Christmas just days after he allegedly failed a roadside drug test. Picture: Instagram

Christmas Day was all smiles for embattled former NRL star Sam Burgess just days after allegedly failing a roadside drug test.

The 34-year-old Englishman and former Rabbitoh celebrated Christmas with his family and new girlfriend, Lucy Graham, on Sunday – with his recent drug woes appearing out of mind.

Instagram snaps captured what appears to be a joyous family gathering with his brothers, Thomas and George, and their respective loved ones.

Among the happy snaps from the family Christmas is one showing the pair cuddling in the driveway.

Sam Burgess celebrated Christmas with his new girlfriend, Lucy Graham. Picture: Instagram

Happy snaps showed the Burgess brothers enjoying family time. Picture: Instagram

Despite the jocular family gathering, Burgess’ February 15 court date looms after he was pulled over while driving a BMW X5 in Kingsford in Sydney on Thursday, December 22.

Burgess allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine and was found to be driving with a suspended licence.

He later denied taking any drugs.

Burgess and Graham celebrated his 34th birthday on December 14. Source: Instagram

Burgess was appointed to an assistant coaching role with the Rabbitohs earlier this year.

The club confirmed it was aware of the situation and had informed the NRL integrity unit.

Despite the police test, a statement from Burgess said he was confident he was clean after undertaking a test of his own.

Sam Burgess has returned to the South Sydney Rabbitohs in an assistant coaching role.

“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,” he said.

“The urine sample returned a negative result to all illicit drugs. I deny any suggestion that I have drugs in my system. I have not consumed, obtained, or possessed any illicit drugs.”

Burgess’ lawyer, Bryan Wrench, told The Daily Telegraph his client denied taking any drugs as NSW Police await the outcome of a secondary oral fluid analysis.

“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.

Burgess denies using drugs recently, claiming he has cleaned up his act. Picture Frank Redward

Burgess recently went public with his relationship with Graham after splitting with his wife Phoebe in 2019, with whom he shares children Poppy and Billy.

His statement last week said he was doing his best to make positive life changes.

“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,” Burgess said.

“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.”