SAM Burgess is officially leaving the NRL at the end of the season to take up a three-year deal in rugby.

The Rabbitohs forward has signed a deal with English club Bath, which was confirmed by the club this morning.

In a media release from South Sydney, Burgess said he has always had ambitions to become a dual-international, however his job at the Rabbitohs is not complete.

Been a tough few weeks having to stay quiet. Thanks for everyone's support. Now down to business and playing this weekend, can't wait. — Sam Burgess (@SamBurgess8) February 17, 2014

“I’m happy this has all been sorted out before the start of the season so that I can concentrate on my game and the team without any other things in the way,” Burgess said.

“An opportunity presented itself to head back home to England and to pursue a chance to represent my country in two different sports.

News_Image_File: George,Luke,Julie,Sam and Tom Burgess on the red carpet Dally M Awards. Picture Gregg Porteous

“With 2015 being a Rugby World Cup, it was an opportunity I had to pursue and I thank the Rabbitohs for allowing me to make this move and start the next chapter in my sporting career.

“But all of that starts next season.

BURGESS VOWS TO SHOW FANS PASSION

“We have a great opportunity in front of us now as a group and I’ll be doing my best every week to help us win each game and hopefully improve on what we’ve been able to achieve in the past two seasons.

“My team mates, coaches, staff and the Rabbitohs Members have been a huge support to me over the past four seasons and hopefully I can repay that support in 2014.”

Bath will pay South Sydney 500,000 pounds to buy out the remainder of Burgess’ contract.

The deal appeared in jeopardy last week when the Rugby football Union baulked at sharing the cost of the compensation fee for Souths with Bath.

News_Image_File: South Sydney's Sam Burgess. Pic Brett Costello

But the premiership club has decided it values Burgess’ potential in rugby it will stump up the full amount to get him on board.

Bath Head Coach, Mike Ford said: “I’ve known Sam since his rugby league days in England and he is an exceptionally talented athlete. He’s hard working, a huge presence both on and off the field, and an ambitious young Englishman, all of which are qualities that we are building our squad around. I’ve no doubt Sam will fit in seamlessly here at Bath and we’re looking forward to having him join us and start making the transition.”

News_Rich_Media: Fox Sports rugby league correspondent Steve Hart says there is much confusion over exactly how a mooted $1 million transfer fee would be paid from rugby club Bath to South Sydney for star forward Sam Burgess.

Burgess is set to return to England at the completion of the NRL season and immediately begin his rugby career, with a view to playing in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire is confident Burgess’ decision would not derail their season, stating Burgess and the team are focussed on the Rabbitohs’ targets for 2014.

“Sam remains completely focussed on his job with the Rabbitohs this season,” Coach Maguire said.

News_Rich_Media: As rugby league is left reeling from yet another player abandonning the code for the riches and international glory of rugby union, we take a look at four players whose departures from the 13-man game have struck great blows in the talent tug-of-war.

“Sam has made a real impact on the NRL over the past four seasons and his focus is on his job here at Souths, as we’re all focussed on our goals for this year.”

Last week NRL boss Dave Smith left the door open for Burgess to return to the NRL despite the 25-year-old making the cross-code switch.

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Smith said last week he would feel “sad” if another high-profile player, like Burgess, quit the NRL but would be welcomed back should he decide to return.

News_Image_File: Sam Burgess talks to Coach Michael Maquire at Souths training. pic mark evans

The English international joined the Rabbitohs in 2010 having been persuaded by co-owner Russell Crowe to leave Bradford and try his hand in the NRL.

He was later joined by his older brother Luke and younger twin brothers Tom and George and the four along with their mother Julie, who has moved to Australia, have captured the hearts of rugby league fans.

This was clearly evident the night all four of the Burgess brothers to play in a first grade game since 1910, Julie running on the field to embrace her sons at fulltime.

News_Image_File: Sam Burgess warms up at training.

It was an especially poignant moment for the Burgess brothers who lost their father Mark, who was himself a tough rugby league player in England, from motor neurone disease in 2007.

Burgess has also been a regular on the Sydney social scene and is considered one of the most eligible bachelors in Sydney.

Since arriving in Redfern, the English international has been a revelation for the side and his running and big hits have been an integral part of the Rabbitohs success over the past two seasons with the club making the preliminary finals.‘

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