Sam Burgess arrives in Las Vegas after visa issues cleared

The Sam Burgess saga is over with the Warrington coach touching down in the United States after his visa was cleared in time for rugby league’s Las Vegas extravaganza. Watch the exclusive footage of his arrival.

Sam Burgess has officially touched down in the US with the Warrington coach declaring “it’s good to be here – a couple of days late”.

The anxious wait is over after Burgess was originally left at home in the UK while his Warrington side travelled to the US on Monday ahead of their game against Wigan.

But just 66 hours out from the match Burgess finally entered the US.

“It’s good to be here a couple of days late,” Burgess said fresh off his flight. “I’m looking forward to the week. I knew we would get here in the end it just took a couple of days longer than expected. (I am) happy to be here now.”

He will be on hand to oversee Warrington’s final big training session before taking charge of the side against Wigan as the Super League giants meet as part of the NRL’s rugby league extravaganza.

It is understood Burgess was staying in a hotel near the airport in recent days as he awaited his visa, having made a mad dash to London last week in a bid to fast-track the process.

“I’ve missed the guys,” Burgess said. “I felt a bit nervous that they were in a new place and new environments. By all accounts they’ve had a good time and behaved themselves. We’re off to dinner now.”

Warrington Wolves coach Sam Burgess has made it to Vegas.

Relieved Warrington chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick thanked authorities for working with the club.

“We were always confident that he was going to get it over the line,” Fitzpatrick said. “There were a couple of roadblocks, hurdles along the way which had it in doubt at stages. I just want to thank the US embassy and the relevant authorities for helping to make this happen.

“Sam’s been such a big part of this event, leading up to it in terms of promoting it, supporting it. It would have been a shame if he wasn’t able to get out here and realise and experience it.

“It would have been a loss for the team as well. No doubt about that - he is a big presence and the head coach. Obviously the biggest training day is tomorrow - Thursday (local time) - so he’s going to get in, in time for that.

“The lads will be excited to see him hit the ground in Vegas. We’re delighted that he’s managed to get over here.”

Burgess is still one of the biggest names in the sport, having inspired South Sydney to a drought-breaking premiership in 2014 before switching codes, playing at a rugby union World Cup for England, and then returning to the Rabbitohs.

It is not just Warrington who will be relieved that Burgess is on his way. He was also a huge drawcard for the NRL given his stature in Australia, where he was regarded as one of the greatest players of his era.

Burgess had a wry smile when he was once again greeted by an Aussie press pack.

“Geez I’ve missed you guys…I feel a bit nostalgic.”

Originally published as Sam Burgess arrives in Las Vegas after visa issues cleared