"One-in-a-generation Sam Burgess will inspire Bath Rugby and England," says ...

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Bruce Craig has declared incoming Rec-arrival Sam Burgess a “one-in-a-generation” player – and has predicted that the League international will play a key role in developing the exciting young English talent in Bath Rugby’s squad.

While Burgess has caught the headlines with his cross-code switch, Bath chairman and owner Craig regards him as just one piece in the club’s longer-term development.

Craig wants to develop a conveyor-belt of rising England Qualified Players (EQPs) at Bath and believes an “inspirational” figure like Burgess will provide the atmosphere to help that happen.

Craig said: “Sam is a one-in-a-generation guy – he will bring a whole new level of intensity to Bath Rugby.

“I’ve met him a few times and he’s a very inspirational man. I’m sure he will be an amazing leader for Bath and for England eventually. He has huge leadership qualities and is someone who people will follow.

“His work ethic and passion is at a different level and that’s going to bring massive things to Bath. You can just tell with people like Sam that they are going to make a huge impact.

“Sam is a superstar in Australia and is paid a substantial sum of money over there. Why does he want to change? Because he wants to play on a bigger stage.”

Burgess is due to report for his first training session at Farleigh House in October following the South Sydney Rabbitohs’ NRL campaign.

For Craig, the 25-year-old’s arrival is part of a long-term plan to develop a young, English squad brimming with international talent.

Top-tier clubs receive payments from Premiership Rugby for fielding EQPs but for Craig the development of young English players is more about building a foundation for sustained success rather than financial benefit.

“Our objective is to have over 70 per cent England Qualified Players by concentrating on the academy and on young England players,” he said.

“It’s really interesting to look at the development of England U20s over the last five years. Back in 2010, England would get smashed if they went to the Southern Hemisphere and played those teams.

“But significant things have been put in place for pathways for English players and now things have changed.

“England have just retained the Junior World Cup and we saw a number of Bath Academy guys playing in that.”

Hooker Tom Woolstencroft and lock forwards Charlie Ewels and Tom Ellis all appeared for England U20s during the Junior World Championships, with England beating South Africa by a single point in the final.

Craig said the work of academy director Danny Grewcock was reaping significant dividends for both club and country.

“Danny is doing a fantastic job, inspiring the young players and providing a real understanding of what is needed in terms of work ethic to become a professional,” he said.

“The integration with the first team is much better and we are looking to bring more guys into the academy.”

Article source: http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/rugby/marshall-trimble-and-henry-set-to-start-for-ireland-1.1674155

"One-in-a-generation Sam Burgess will inspire Bath Rugby and England," says ...