Sam Burgess has been named captain of the England Rugby League team by new Head Coach, Wayne Bennett.
Burgess, who has played for his country 16 times (England 14 / Great Britain 2), will captain the side throughout the 2016 Ladbrokes Four Nations in the absence of Sean O’Loughlin, who has been ruled out of the tournament through injury.
Speaking about his appointment as captain, Burgess, said: “It is an absolute honour and privilege to be asked to captain my country and to lead this group through the Four Nations tournament. I want to thank Wayne for having the trust and belief that I can do the job and I am determined to do my best for this team.
“Although I am captain on the field for this tournament, there are a group of leaders in this squad and I know that we will work together and as hard as possible to try to achieve success on the pitch for England.”
Burgess, who plays his club rugby for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, is playing for the national side for the first time since the 2013 World Cup semi-final. He will captain the team against New Zealand, Scotland and Australia, in the last International tournament before next year’s Rugby League World Cup.
Club: Burgess returned to Souths in 2016, alongside brothers Thomas & George
Last time out: Burgess last featured for England in the 2013 World Cup semi-final
Discussing the decision to make Burgess England captain, Head Coach Wayne Bennett, said: “I know the importance and pride that is placed on being captain of England. In Sam I believe we have got the right guy for the job whilst Sean is injured. He is a player and man who leads from the front and has the utmost respect from his teammates and fellow professionals.
“I know how much it means to Sam to play for his country, he is a huge player across our sport and he knows how to inspire and get the best out of people. I am certain he will do a great job as England captain.”
Burgess’ first game as captain will be against the world number one nation New Zealand at a sold out John Smith’s Stadium in Huddersfield on Saturday 29 October. England will then take on Scotland at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry on Saturday 5th November in a double header alongside Australia v New Zealand. Finally England will take on World Champions Australia on Sunday 13th November at the London Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park before Burgess will hope to lead the team out in the final at Anfield, Liverpool on Sunday November 20th.
The 2016 Ladbrokes Four Nations featuring England, Australia, New Zealand and Scotland starts on Friday, October 28 and more than 50 per cent of tickets are priced at £25 or less. Buy tickets here or call the Rugby League Ticket Hotline on 0844 856 1113 (calls to this number will cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.)
Full 2016 Ladbrokes Four Nations schedule is as follows:
Friday October 28 (8.00pm): Australia v Scotland, Lightstream Stadium, Hull
Saturday October 29 (2.30pm): England v New Zealand, The John Smith’s Stadium, Huddersfield
Saturday November 5 (5.30pm): England v Scotland, Ricoh Arena, Coventry
Saturday November 5 (8.00pm): New Zealand v Australia, Ricoh Arena, Coventry
Friday November 11 (8.00pm): New Zealand v Scotland, The Zebra Claims Stadium, Workington
Sunday November 13 (2.00pm): England v Australia, The London Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London
Sunday November 20 (2.30pm): Final, Anfield, Liverpool