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Welsh rugby's code-crosser Andy Powell has jumped to the defence of Sam Burgess and had a pop at the sport of rugby union in the process.

In the wake of England's calamitous Rugby World Cup, Burgess has left his club, Bath, and returned to Australia to play rugby league just one year into a three-year contract.

Burgess has come under fire for his decision, but Powell, who played five times for rugby league side Wigan Warriors in 2013, says the Englishman is better off away from union.

"It's shameful how Sam Burgess has been treated. I think he's better off in rugby league, away from the two-faced people," the Merthyr No.8 tweeted.

"In league, you don't get so many back-stabbing people. I'm not being bitter but just saying it how it is. It's a proper workingman's game."

In the wake of his league return, Burgess was vilified in sections of the press, with former England lock Paul Ackford saying 'good riddance' in his column with the Times.

Bath boss Mike Ford has also come out and said the the 26-year-old didn't have the stomach to stick it out at the Rec.