Sam Burgess admits US visa approval ‘out of my control’ as nervous Las Vegas countdown begins for Warrington coach

Sam Burgess has conceded he may have to coach Warrington’s clash against Wigan in Las Vegas from the UK as the NRL premiership winner his US visa approval is out of his hands.

Warrington Wolves' Head Coach Sam Burgess. Picture: Jessica Hornby/PA Images via Getty Images

Sam Burgess has conceded he has no idea if he will be able to join his Warrington side when they travel to Las Vegas next week to play Wigan.

The Wolves coach confirmed this masthead’s report that he was racing the clock to be cleared to travel after make a last-minute dash to London in a bid to receive a clearance which will enable him to travel.

Burgess met with the US consulate in London just days before he was due to fly out on Sunday. The former South Sydney star conceded he was unclear if he would be able to coach his Wolves side in their historic clash in the US.

“I’m just not sure at the minute,” Burgess said. “It’s been a bit of a process over the last couple of days. The visa application now, it’s in for review, it’s been going on for a little while.

“I respect the process and everyone’s efforts to get it to this point, but it’s essentially out of my control at the moment. We’ll see what the next 24 hours brings. I think I’ll get there, (I am) confident I’ll get there. A lot of work has gone on.”

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 addressed the issue following Warrington’s win against Catalans Dragons which has given his side an undefeated two game start to the season.

“It is what it is,” Burgess said. “As I said, the visa application is in now, I’ve been through every stage I can go through. I’ve been there the last 48 hours. Everyone has been great down there and everyone at the embassy has been fantastic, these things take time.

Warrington Wolves coach Sam Burgess is still waiting for visa approval.

“Everyone has been brilliant. NRL have, Warrington have, US Embassy have been fantastic. Not it’s with the border control to get the last thing signed off. I don’t know how much of this I can talk about but the process is underway and fingers crossed if I don’t get on the flight Sunday let’s hope it’s not too far after.

“I think I’ll get there. It’s just taking longer than expected. I don’t know what more I can say, I’ve tried to be honest about it and let you know what’s going on. It’s in the review process now and I’ve got a few messages to say it’s going in the right direction.

“Whether I’m on the flight or not Sunday, I’m not sure. These things take time, there’s time difference between dialogue between England, US and Australia. There’s a lot of dialogue going on but while one is open, another is closed.”

HOW WE BROKE THE STORY

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 Papali’i, 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.

Originally published as Sam Burgess admits US visa approval ‘out of my control’ as nervous Las Vegas countdown begins for Warrington coach