Sam Burgess reveals the real truth about England's 2015 Rugby World Cup | House of Rugby S2 E45

Alex Payne and James Haskell are joined from Sydney by Sam Burgess for an explosive and hugely revealing episode in which nothing is off the table.
Sam talks for the first time about the real reasons why England's 2015 Rugby World Cup was a disaster, who was to blame, who was playing politics, and who was scheming behind the scenes.
Plus, he discusses retirement, Russell Crowe, Taylor Swift, hanging out with Leonardo DiCaprio and winning titles with the Rabittohs.
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[@JOE_co_uk]

JOIN the House of Rugby Facebook group and let us know what you'd like to see on the show: facebook.com/groups/HouseofRugby/

[@joshuabell1108]

AWJ or Maro would be class!!

[@henrywright2422]

Manu

[@billyb9573]

Great show! Keep up the hard work Joe! Please Manu, such a awesome guy!

[@hyllaf]

Why did you invite a guy on your show whos been accused of domestic violence?!

[@clegsmegson2627]

A drug taking woman beater?

[@Schneebly06]

what a brilliant story teller and general all round guy, was a great player for us at Bath, was very interesting to here his side of the story of things that you just had no idea about. Lots of respect to him for waiting until the dust settles to tell his story especially when everyone was throwing him under the bus for the World cup. Absolutely fascinating story

[@ghotio1927]

great player ? hahaha what has happened to bath rfc .... ? used to be taken seriously in the game .

[@SakuraTempura]

ghotio1927 get a life

[@robinhoneyman4444]

Was a consumate pro. I heard a lot of bad culture about Ford snr at the time. I still rate George as a great 10. But would have loved to see SSB stay in union

[@69handy]

Watch Slammin’ Sam narrated by Russell Crowe, it’s Burgesses documentary it’s really good. He’s loved in Australia and will go down as one of the great all time forwards in the NRL

[@ettubrute6757]

@@ghotio1927 those 2 points have nothing to do with one another? Christ social media teases out the dumb cunts.

[@defaultname5733]

This show is always full of great content. But this interview was, hands down, the best one yet. You have to admire the straight-talking honesty of Burgess. Seems a top lad.

[@hyllaf]

Top lad, what an idiot u r

[@mosesfakatou7943]

For those of you interested in the Mike Ford gossip it starts at 1:07:00, however 100% reccomend watching the whole interview Burgess is a top bloke!

[@jamiemorris6088]

Star man thank you

[@hyllaf]

Top bloke =domestic violence, drug taking and faking identification?!

[@clegsmegson2627]

Not sure he is!! Maybe the Fords knew a thing or two?

[@jeffjefferson3364]

People forget England were winning against Wales and Sam was doing exactly what he was selected for he kept Jamie Roberts quiet all game until he went off, then Ford n Farrell couldn't hold him in the centre any more.

[@danhadley4242]

It was nothing to do with keeping Jamie quiet it was Gareth Davis try and mike brown conceding a penalty and then England inability to make a good decision and go for the corner it was nothing to do with Sam

[@owyn4799]

He made some big hits that game too whacked north into touch also.

[@danhadley4242]

Conor Callaghan yeah he did he also got smashed a couple times too not to mention the missed tackle on Scott Williams to run half the pitch

[@Kkpb-fh5vt]

Nobody forgets that. People come out with that stat all the time.

[@fellview6294]

Gunna watch it to see

[@danjames4606]

This was the best podcast to date, new found respect for Burgess. I'll put my hand up and admit I criticised his selection at the time and thought it was politics. But he is an incredible athlete, he is also extremely grounded, probably because he's a northerner (up the North). Must be incredibly hard to keep all that bs to yourself when you're getting slated!

[@owyn4799]

@wildebest We got Ben Teo instead 😂

[@ajibolaoki5064]

thankful for my upbringing in yorkshire, no nonsense, #sayitasitis

[@ruebengopaul8060]

@@owyn4799 Ben Te'o was box office that year don't get me wrong

[@hyllaf]

Top guy, yeah, who cheats and bullies his wife in front of kids

[@franknaylor6916]

@@ajibolaoki5064 saitasitis but cant take it as it is

[@lucycunningham6656]

Great episode. It's refreshing to hear such brutal honesty. There isn't enough of it in rugby

[@DavidWilliams1995]

wildebest what a strange reply

[@DavidWilliams1995]

wildebest irrespective of the quality of women’s rugby, what relevance does that hold in regards to the initial comment?

[@keepcalmandblametheblackgu9164]

If Australia does not not have rugby league well then Australia is not Australia.

[@jacobkay5670]

@wildebest your not worth the time of day.

[@cbarclay99]

@wildebest Pick on someone your own sex.

[@posner89]

I think the fact Hasks doesnt correct Sam on any of his views on England at the time suggests a lot to be true. Also think Hasks would of made a brilliant RL prop.

[@KernowekTim]

Aye, Hasks usually has his say, yet his lack speaks volumes.

[@tombutcher3021]

There can not be two fathers and two sons in the same team and management and not have a serious conflict. 2015 was a total debacle because of this and everyone knew it was not Burgess. However did he deserve his place well no he did not. But he did not let us down. Lancaster and his support team let us down.

[@gavstott1]

1h 13m 50s in...watch Hask quietly nodding in agreement

[@KernowekTim]

@@gavstott1 Yep, he knows.

[@patrickchilds2987]

Gavin Stott Well spotted,

[@marklowe5812]

A real person in a plastic world, great interview

[@hyllaf]

by real: domestic violence???

[@clegsmegson2627]

This comment has not aged well. YOU CLOWN

[@damianclark550]

Ironic now 🤣

[@31415926535ism]

Sam Burgess; top player, top bloke. Wonderful career, wonderful honesty.

[@hyllaf]

Oh dear!!!!

[@jonnybaynham1689]

Burgess would have been an amazing 6, and I think Eddie Jones would have shaped him very well the following year. It's a shame with the issues, politics, and media that Burgess was saddled with

[@ynotnilknarf39]

6 was deffo his best position and is where he was playing at Bath, whilst he could obviously do a job at inside centre he's more effective at 6. Watching him as a 17/18 year old for Bradford you knew he was going to be a top, top player, most great players shine at a young age.

[@td4493]

My mate told me stories from living in same block of flats as the Burgess brothers and that they were absolute top blokes. A true legend. Up the north.

[@ralphlee925]

This has been an amazing insight to Sam Burgess. Only thought he was drafted in for the 2015 World Cup, but listening to him he seems a genuine honest player. Wish him all the very best in the future👍🏾

[@hyllaf]

Doubt his wife's family say that

[@td4493]

kiefer sutherland neither would I. Wouldn’t be surprised of any ex in laws of anyone anywhere saying that.

[@andrewthompson5745]

That was without doubt the best sports interview I've ever watched. Totally engaging from start to finish. Honest, passionate, and erudite. I liked Sam Burgess before, I love him now!

[@hyllaf]

Do u stii now though??!!!

[@robertcottam8824]

It was refreshing to hear Sam's side of the story. He comes across as frank and honest. I like that.

[@andymrkipling]

If you don’t Google - ‘Sam Burgess hits’ after this. Are you actually a Rugby fan?

[@jonhingston4631]

Especially his hit on SBW!

[@hyllaf]

Hitting his wife? /

[@clegsmegson2627]

Hits the crack pipe?

[@rhianc7347]

That was a great listen, unless your surname is Ford

[@coppo9261]

plz explain, the vids too long for me to watch rn haha

[@MrStephenStotch]

@@coppo9261 Basically called the Fords out for being snakes, Said Mike tried to sabotage and undermine Lancaster because he wanted the England Job

[@cre8scapeYT]

Lifelong RU fan, England and Bath. Nothing but huge respect for Burgess as a player and a person. Always was and always will be a legend in my mind. Shockingly treated by England but so pleased he remains mates with the Bishop of Banterbury. Great episode. Ford should be ashamed.

[@hyllaf]

Nothing but respect?! He makes Harvey Weinstein look innocent

[@cre8scapeYT]

@@hyllaf I guess you are referring to the current allegations of drug use and domestic abuse? If proven to be true (and it seems likely from the reports) it would completely change my opinion of SB. But it would seem to be a change that came with his success....ref his wifes comments about how 'Good Sam' because 'Bad Sam'. But it is easy to make comments in hindsight. I for one was not aware of any allegations or suspicions before now. Just deeply sad if true.

[@robertcottam8824]

​@@hyllaf Had you considered growing up? Or finding another sport?

[@0Sioux]

Never heard a half Yorkshire half Aussie accent before

[@fakedictation581]

wildebest wasn’t losing before he left the field against Wales 🤔

[@usarugbyleagueunionfan]

wildebest I watched the game 2 weeks ago. He was substituted around the 66th minute. George Ford comes on. Even the announcers said Burgess neutralized Jamie Roberts. After that the flood gates opened. I suggest you rewatch it.

[@usarugbyleagueunionfan]

wildebest I happen to agree with you on some of this. And I follow both Rugby League and Union extensively. Yet, the proof is in the puddin. He gets subbed and Goerge Ford comes on. His defense was not good although to his credit he played great D vs NZ in RUWC2019. Once Burgees is off Wales pounce and come back. I'm not saying you are, yet blaming him for England's RWC failure is laughable. England pulled him out and they lost.

[@oliverhallsworth-baines3948]

Bit of American thrown in there as well

[@Stretcharmstrong_]

I hear absolutely no Australian accent 😂

[@juliangraham4766]

well I owe Mr Burgess an apology. I was part of the angry pitch fork wielding mob and I was completely in the wrong

[@ronanrogers4127]

Kudos for admitting an error of judgment. Many don’t.

[@craigkitching4883]

Julian Graham, it takes a real man to apolagize, especially in high level sport, well said!

[@hyllaf]

no, you weren't . this guy is lower than a snakes belly. domestic violence, drug use and cover ups=scum bag

[@juliangraham4766]

@@hyllaf i didnt know about the allegations at the time of writing. Mea culpa

[@sebclement6253]

I just want to say I really love Alex Payne and James Haskell's dynamic now. At first I hated it. Sometimes it's like watching a bear beat up a small posh child, but other times I see Payne cracks the prefect boarding school whip and Hask bends the knee. They aggro each other in different ways and it's amusing.

[@MancPie]

Brilliant interview. As a RL fan (but also a RU fan) it was clear England never used him correctly and he was always going to end up as a scapegoat. He's a forward, he shines with that workrate and physicality and I guess Bath fans will know he played best in the pack. Great guy, outstanding player. Sidenote - Hask nodding & smiling at the mention of State of Origin - if you haven't seen it, make time to watch it.

[@SB-th8uc]

His progress within a short space of time on the flank was excellent. The only question I would have is that he could've been better suited as a 7 than 6.

[@usarugbyleagueunionfan]

Dude. I'm a massive Rugby League and Rugby Union fan. I love both of them profusely.

[@robertcottam8824]

​@@SB-th8uc Admire Sam tremendously. Love league and union, both. But I'm not sure he was ever going to play at 6 or 7. Arguably, they're the two most specialist positions in Union. I don't mind being 'schooled' on this but surely, given a bit more time, he would have been a better fit at 8.

[@deankirk3710]

I remember being there at Twickenham for the Bath v Saracens final., Sam was without doubt MOTM (think Farrell got it officially) i was there in a souths shirt and Slammin gave the shirt a smile before being the only player to stop and say hello to the disabled fans from both sides, not a single player stopped.. great man and even better player..

[@Tom-ig2vm]

When Sam showed his hoodie, the way Hask said “oooh, nice” reminded me of an awkward family gathering

[@mikefurnham1109]

What an amazing interview. Total respect to Sam Burgess.

[@hyllaf]

U were saying?

[@robertcottam8824]

​@@hyllaf I think that respect for Sam Burgess was being expressed. Is there a problem with that?

[@hyllaf]

@@robertcottam8824 respect for a WIFE BEATER? NOT FROM ME ANYWAY

[@robertcottam8824]

@@hyllaf But it's you on the caps lock, old chap. A pound to a penny that there is something 'a bit Freudian' in this. Stop being so shouty....

[@davidrichardson7348]

Great episode. Remember watching the Grand Final. The Burgess brothers all played well and it was a big thing for South Sidney to win. What a great bloke Sam Burgess is. Real pity injury finished his rugby.

[@hyllaf]

We know why he's called "Slamming Sam" now!

[@dalebarwick3264]

I admit I was totally wrong about Sam Burgess and thought he bottled it after World Cup 2015 but what a honest and likeable guy, The Fords wow what a pair of prats. Anyone else loved the mixed Northern and Aussie accent? 😂

[@ronanrogers4127]

It’s funny that in Australia people only hear a northern accent. In the UK people hear a weird hybrid accent.

[@69handy]

Ronan Rogers was going to say the same thing. I’m aussie and all I hear is a pommy/northern accent. Guess it’s different if you know the accent inside out. It’s like aussies who live in the US or England and have a twang to their accent, can spot it a mile away.

[@AZJZ97]

Do a Sam Burgess pt2! Best interview. Been a massive supporter of Burgess in League/Union. Could have been a great player under EJ! Great player and person.

[@kingthatismatt]

What an interview. Loved everyone second of it. I have never heard that much of honesty from one person, well played Sam Burgess. The world needs more of that honesty and attitude, especially right now.

[@John_Wood_]

The Ford's sound like a right bunch of snakes.

[@wjs7506]

They were. Mike was having a fling with the physio at the time, not many know.

[@powerbite92]

1:29:25 Hask goes through all the coaches EXCEPT Mike Ford. He basically agrees with Burgess, just using his silence.

[@youngrichie]

@@wjs7506 I heard that was with Lisa Sharratt. Talk about taking your home work with you.

[@Kkpb-fh5vt]

Evidence please

[@wjs7506]

Kkpb7731 Hi mate, yeh I’ll just drop him a dm right now. If you’ve heard the details you know

[@zephanish]

He was incredibly mismanaged as a player, imagine for example he was in the hands of the NZRU. Things would have turned out much more differently, look what they did to Sonny Bill

[@usarugbyleagueunionfan]

Great point.

[@sebclement6253]

I will always believe Sam Burgess could have been one of the best 12s ever. Absolute travesty.

[@clegsmegson2627]

Sounds like he wasnt mismanaged at all! In fact the club was complicit in covering up his drug taking

[@hyllaf]

He's in the hands of the law now

[@jldp24]

Stupid point..burgess didnt have the skill set of sbw...not even close to the same type of player

[@69handy]

The thing most English RU fans don’t realise is that RU in Australia is a small sport, league dwarfs it. And burgess was the king of league in Australia for a long time. He truly was a champion player. Look up his documentary Slammin’ Sam narrated by Russell Crowe to get an insight into burgess

[@mayd4sbwithu]

Thoroughly enjoyed the pod. What a top bloke Sam is. I could never understand why England took him off against Wales, he kept the wonderful Jamie Roberts quiet. Once Sam was replaced Jamie was free to create devastation

[@jeffjefferson3364]

Literally remembered the end of that game exactly the same way. Made no sense to take Sam off

[@Pennywalkerwalker]

I worked with Sam's dad Mark when I was physio at Dewsbury I see so much of Mark's drive and passion in Sam. I also tried to help Mark with treatment when he was ill at his home, Sam often there I knew then his passion would take him far. I am sending​ love and strength to you I know life can be cruel but remember your dad is by your side and we both know what a great guy he was and what a great honest guy you are keep true to yourself! There will always be those who want to trip you up.🙌❤️

[@rupertdrage6608]

Fantastic interview, as someone who grew up playing and following Union, but went to live in Australia and have followed the NRL since the early 2000s it's so good to see a frank, honest open perspective - I wish he'd been given more of an opportunity to speak about playing alongside and against greats of the modern game in that form. I have massive respect for Sam, he's a competitor who wants 'it', that made it for him in the NRL, where it is tough, and directed his career bro Union and back again. Interesting to see if there is a response from the Ford camp... One of the best podcasts for sure.

[@henryweatherly8777]

Sam Burgess! Got to admire the mans honesty, his frankness and his opinions. Wonderful insight and ( just saying ) I think he is telling the truth. Fantastic episode especially on the subject of nepotism!!!😂😉😇😂

[@henryburton6529]

He comes across as very honest to me. Does this mean the Ford family are a cancer on any team they are in? Who else do you think? JJ? Watson?

[@henryweatherly8777]

Henry Burton . The true test of an elite sportsman is when they are on the bench or sitting in the stands. Not so much in rugby but more so in football. When the camera pans to the bench, we can sometimes see them bitching and having a moan. There are times when the team may score and they do not seem pleased! They say that the best ever lion that toured was Jason Leonard, he is still held up as an example and revered in hushed tones to this day. Apparently he was the ultimate team player, be it on the pitch, sat on the bench or up in the stands. They called for him in 2003 when England's dominant scrum was being constantly penalised. Penalty after penalty as I personally thought the referee was biased against our scrum. Not sure when he ambled on to stabilise things but one of the England players ( Lawrence, maybe ? ) said that just the sight of him convinced most of the players that they were going to be alright. I think it was a pivotal moment in the game, Australia would have been awarded kick able penalties and may have gone on to win, long before extra time. It was a masterful substitution. In relation to Sams comments, in due context to the Wales 2015 World Cup game, it does make me wonder if they were all singing from the same hymn sheet without any personal agenda. Many will argue with my opinion, Wales, prior to this substitution were forcing mistakes and beginning to get a grip on the game. I just wonder, bearing in mind this podcasts comments, what type of player Sam and the team needed at this juncture of the game? ( just my opinion and speculation based on this podcast because in any elite sport, I'm sure the only true agenda is to win! )

[@robertcottam8824]

​@@henryburton6529 Nah. You don't have to think that. Just do a medals tally for the Burgess/Ford families. 'Nuff said? Best wishes.

[@henryburton6529]

@@henryweatherly8777 "They called for him in 2003 when England's dominant scrum was being constantly penalised. Penalty after penalty as I personally thought the referee was biased against our scrum." I remember this like it was yesterday. I have absolutely no doubt if the ref could have awarded Australia the victory he would have done. Same with dicey TMO in 2007. Same with France in 2011. Ref basically chose the winner.

[@davidpainton2124]

Just loved hearing Sam's honesty! What a great player and person!! As a Wales fan I honestly think his opinion on that game in 2015 is spot on, we shouldn't have won that game!!

[@carlh296]

Fantastic chat Sam, get that book deal done, I wanna know more! People being honest is the rarest thing, and something we need so much more of.

[@Ben_Dover15]

Fantastic interview, very confronting

[@susiea3097]

Listening in Australia in April 2022. Great podcast. Sam’s definitely a leader, had an amazing playing career, now winner of SAS who dares wins where he was a standout and now coaching. Wish him all the best …

[@jwaller2557]

Best one yet!! Brilliant interview what a player

[@seanemc90]

Awesome! What a legend sam really is, could have listened for another 6 hours and that's coming from a passionate scotland supporter! 👏👏👏

[@jimwood1068]

Absolute Geezer! Most honest I've heard in years. Cheers Sam.

[@Gilly1978]

Best interview the Alex has done, keeps pressing and pressing and gets some great insight from the incredibly interesting Burgess, genuinely class all round.

[@vinylrulesok8470]

Thanks for putting the record straight Sam. I read the papers and media when you went back to Australia after the WC and I put my hand up as one of those who felt that you’d manipulated the system to be part of the 2015 WC. Just goes to show how the media can lead you down a certain path. Good luck to you and thanks for being so honest. Great interview.

[@-mossy4834]

Great interview. Love league and union in equal measure. Very sad that egos got in the way of 2015 tournament. Great player. Looking forward to part 2 in January. (Plague permitting)

[@srodber915]

Awesome Sam, met you in Bath in a few times and you were a total gentleman. Wishing you all the best for your future. What a mega player you have been, only wish the Union dice had rolled your way, as you would have been successful in both codes. Cheers mate

[@shaungreatorex1851]

Pontefract Race Course will do that to you

[@midasman1768]

What a great interview, well done all three of you. Hats off to Sam for being so open and honest, a refreshing change.

[@097cm]

That was immense. One of the best. Sam is such a class guest.

[@djweston4]

This was such a great interview, but for me how was he not seen as an 8. Honestly that's where I would of seen him playing every day of the week.

[@Kkpb-fh5vt]

Every day of the week would be too much. He’d fatigue.

[@robertcottam8824]

​@@Kkpb-fh5vt Allegedly...

[@johnnyutah999]

A very hard man. Never took a backward step. His clashes with Sonny Bill are legendary.

[@jackyoung7097]

Absolutely brilliant. Compelling! Loved every minute of this!

[@ashs6730]

Listen to the podcast weekly but had to come to YT to watch this one...

[@davidwells1508]

Wow amazing. Sam is such an honest guy, so interesting to find out what happened in 2015. The press made him out to be a pre-madona and he is anything but.

[@06alepea1]

Fascinating as always. Really enjoy the more serious episodes.

[@cliveuuking4602]

Excellent show. By far the best yet. Background given to all the statements & could easily follow the conversations.

[@tlitch]

Great interview. Seems like a top bloke and was a big fan of him in his short time in union. But seeing him brings back bad memories for me, as someone who paid 310 quid to watch England vs Wales in row 10 at Twickenham in the 2015 world cup. I still feel robbed!!! Not only robbed of watching England beat Wales in a home world cup, but robbed of seeing Sam Burgess live up to his potential in the game! Given time he'd have made the Lions tour and possibly even the next World Cup...

[@MrPonty123]

Best episode definitely, Sam gave a fantastic account of himself!

[@robertevans9096]

Simply the best. Slammin' Sam Burgess. Great interview. Great interaction. Well done.

[@stevefoster1104]

Fantastic episode, every week is always getting better. What a Legend Sam is... nice to see a bigger picture of the 2015 world cup. Very honest and open chat

[@innistutagalevao9832]

Cheers Alex, Mike and James, you guys are awesome 👍 Thanks for the great way you present rugby, by having a great time, great stuff 🙂

[@ollysell7353]

First time I watched house of rugby and wow!!! Absolutely awesome! Loving the honesty and hardness of Sam Burgess!!! Can't wait to watch more!!!

[@danielmalachi8793]

This (along with the 1st Ben Ryan episode) has to be the best one yet! ...and I would've loved to see Hask in the NRL!! He would've taken Oz over with bants alone....

[@chrisbalmforth7469]

Amazing best one yet! Slammin is so honest and a true leader. Haskel your awesome buddy great interview keep smashing it 👍🏻

[@seanmonaghan4504]

Best yet. Incredibly genuine guy.

[@jonnybaynham1689]

Next week get George Ford on

[@KernowekTim]

Get his dad on. That'd be ok, imho.

[@TheKitingmatt]

Best episode yet. Sam - what a legend. Was one of the standouts in WC 15 England squad. Thanks

[@nathanwtc742]

Really enjoyed this video. I'm glad Sam has had the chance to put this out. 2014 - 2015 was not English Rugby Union's best time. There are still members of the Prawn Sandwich Brigade who talk rubbish about Sam in 2022 but it's English Rugby Union that suffers because we are not learning from our mistakes. I'm a slightly bigger Union fan than league but I respect League and not that impressed with the club v country politics that cripple the largest Rugby Union player base on the planet. We are our own worse enemies. Anyway, here's to Sam. What a brilliant guy.

[@theoskoumbourdis1629]

This is the best episode i have seen! So real and feel like you are living the burgess story and fillimg in alot of blanks!! Keep them coming!!

[@cornishac]

Sam Burgess - living legend and rags to riches hero - deserves every last scrap of his success! Where are the rugby union players that can inspire kids like him! NRL has crushed union in Australia (where I live) because of the passion that players like Sam have brought to the game. Wish he had played union from the start! Great work Paino and Coffee nause Haskell for just letting him talk. 🤓

[@jjeales7329]

spot on mate, throw james graham in that lot too boot.

[@martinharvey3990]

If Burgess played Rara from the start coming from the area he comes from you would've never heard of him! Tremendous snobbery & ignorance in the UK for each other's codes...

[@robertcottam8824]

​@@martinharvey3990 Sadly true. Works both ways, too. I'm from a league area - but didn't have the skill. Played union instead and had a fantastic 20 years of doing so. It was very annoying, whilst living and playing (amateur) union in London hear constant sneering, concerning my northern accent and liking for rugby league... Boring... But it was equally tedious to have to 'insist' on having the 5/6 nations on the telly in my local pub when I went home. Thankfully, whilst be without decent skills in either code, I was quite large and 'uncompromising' so tended to get my own way. But it shouldn't have come down to that.

[@philipworkman33]

Cracking episode I was watching and thought who would I rather be mates with - Russell Crowe or George Ford?! Top bloke it would seem

[@arrancox3134]

Bloody brilliant interview, haskell and Sam telling the fans what they needed to know!!!! Thank you

[@alberlusconi1]

This is honestly one of the best sports interviews I have watched in years. Amazing honesty, rare to see someone be that brave. Brilliant!

[@ondrae123]

Fantastic, refreshing honesty, love it

[@andymurphy1194]

Absolutely brilliant. This show just gets better and better...Sam's honesty was so refreshing in this day of PR and media sparring. Continue with the fantastic work please guys.

[@sbutler66]

Never doubted Sam, great to hear a long form interview with him, hope you get him back on again soon!

[@MrWarrensimmons]

@Alex Payne - from your vid quality I would guess that your PC's CPU is overheating. Check the cooler/fan. Great interview - masterclass in how top athletes work best in a team. Great to see Burgess' intelligence shine through.

[@Fingim12]

what a juicy pod, loved it

[@Benboy1980]

What have I taken out of this interview...I really like Sam Burgess and I’m desperately sad he wasn’t utilised properly in Union. I’d completely forgotten about Bath being in the final! Having worked for a few companies in my life I instantly recognise stories about micro managing and poor management of players or staff/employees. We need more honesty and truth from players AND management/coaching staff (with each other). All the politics behind the scenes can really interfere with the ability to run a team properly and get the best out of them

[@andresira1679]

What an excellent chat! Never realised how fractious the 2015 campaign really was. Burgess seems a proper gent.

[@wesleyselkridge2197]

Incredible! Never heard a sportsman be so brutally honest about his career & those he shared it with. He broke the unwritten rule of keeping things in the dressing room but I'm glad he did. Emotions about union are still raw after 5yrs it seems and they'll never be a reconciliation with the Ford family (possibly Robshaw as well now he's dismissed him as just an experienced player & not a true test captain). So many players & coaches had their careers changed by his stint in union: George Ford Mike Ford Lancaster Catt Farrell snr Luthur Burrell (not getting picked for the WC when he should) Carl Fearns (leaving bath so they could play Sam at 6) Eastmond (leaving Bath when they decided to play Sam at 12) They'll be a lot of messages flying round between union players tonight & they'll be a fallout to this interview...Mike Ford will surely have to respond as Sam's dragged his name through the gutter tonight. Stunning stuff!

[@kenrehill8775]

Ford will never respond publicly, you don’t raise a skirt wearing mate for a son and then suddenly grow a pair.

[@dominicredfern5090]

Absolutely fantastic episode! I was gutted by 2015 and it was so easy to lambast Lancaster and Burgess at the time. Got to say this really revealed the other side of this without being bitter. He couldn’t help being a stand out talent to stiffen up England’s centre. What a decent bloke.

[@JuddLofthouse]

These shows are getting better every week thank you all 👍👍👍

[@thecuttingsark5094]

Been waiting for this story for ages. Personally always thought Sam was treated shabbily at the time.

[@Saints_Mariner]

Enjoyed this! Experienced much of the egos in union at amateur level (local club & uni) funnily enough never experienced it in league (local clubs & uni). Nice to see Haskell's down to earth- had him down wrong.

[@willparker4395]

down to earth guy who knows his stuff, absolutely loved it. great questions from Alex and Hasks' stories and energy was awesome!!

[@Matalan6]

Brilliant episode, really enjoyed it

[@rugbygareth1612]

Absolute gold. Gentlemen you have outdone yourself with Sam being the guest, no holds barred! Keep up the fantastic work

[@warrenterry1201]

Brilliant interview and truly honest. Best of luck in the future 👍

[@owenbrash1750]

Always found it strange that the management at bath never lined up with the national team when it came to playing Burgess, seem the answer has come to light at last

[@James-hd2kf]

What a fantastic episode you can tell Sam is 100% genuine love to see him back on soon top work lads

[@JM-jb9wk]

Great interview laying it all out. Calling Eddie Jones up was a bit out there though!

[@karlsims7007]

Great show guys from a passionate welsh fan, Sam said a few times he doesn't know how England lost to Wales. The difference was unlike England Wales played as a team, we never give up, we may not always win be we play for 80 plus minutes. Sam has had an amazing career in RL and could have had an equally amazing career in union but unfortunately for England was mis managed. Good luck in your retirement, I think with your honesty you'd do a great job as a pundit.

[@jamesparker1]

this is brilliant, haskell and burgess both hiarlious. so good to hear how toxic english rugby can be! this stuff should be out in the open sooner.

[@davidrichardson7348]

Remember watching Sam at Bath playing 12. He was very good. Big presence with a big defence. My favourite player stole the show though - Peter Stringer!

[@paulshrew]

Shame he wasn't welsh, Warren Gatland would have turned him into a world class union player, he's Warrens type of player. To many egos and cliques in the England camp at the time. Fair play, he rose above it and moved on. Very humble and honest fella.

[@3vimages471]

Sam smashed is cheekbone against James Grahams head on the first tackle. In the next tackle James Graham looked at Sam and said 'your face looks like a dropped pie!!!!!!!- Ha ha ha ha. Two fucking hard men.

[@grantpaterson8963]

So, who's actually at fault for 2015 (other than the Ford's mentioned), as in who are the players who Sam and Hask aren't naming?

[@thehungrybuffalo9791]

he said robshaw didnt have a captain's voice and was just an experienced player

[@davidbellwood4759]

So much love for Sam! Would of liked to see him under the new Eddie Jones squad

[@Tricky850]

imagine saying Sam Burgess doesn't have the stomach for a fight.

[@Degenerate_Gen]

Geordan Murphy's response to Sam's comments made me laugh. I think Sam's points here give his response a lot of context: "I have known both guys a long time and they are both good human beings," Such high praise , indeed they are biological humans, potentially even 'good'! "Mike is incredibly experienced and has been great for me in my role," *me in my role* Doesn't once mention what Mike does for the team, if anything. How have Leicester been doing in recent times? Hmm...