''That made a massive difference to him,'' Mather said. ''There were 75,000 people all cheering for England and he hasn't experienced that. Russell was saying he has not had a chance to play for the Blues and I think if he had experienced that atmosphere he may have stayed but you can't blame him for wanting him to go and try something.

Wanted man: Sam Burgess. Credit:Getty Images

''There is nothing like playing for your country in a World Cup with 90,000 people cheering for you and the whole country wanting you to do well. I think that is what has probably made his mind up for him.''

Mather, the first player to switch from league to union in the 1990s, has no doubt Burgess will feature in England's Rugby World Cup campaign at the end of next year but he questioned how well the Souths star would adapt to the code by then.

''I am convinced he will make it, I just don't think it will be in the timeframe England are hoping for,'' Mather, a former English dual international, said.