Rabbitohs second rower Sam Burgess has been named in the 19-man England squad overnight ahead of their Test match against France being played at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday 12 June. Burgess is one of three NRL players in the squad which includes the Tigers’ Gareth Ellis and the Storm’s Gareth Widdop. This Test match will be the first for new England Coach Steve McNamara who was Burgess’ coach at the Bradford Bulls before he joined South Sydney for the 2010 season. Burgess will become Souths next Test International when he runs out next weekend.

South Sydney’s Sam Burgess has been named alongside the Wests Tigers Gareth Ellis in the second row for England for their Test match against France this Saturday 12 June at Leigh Sports Village in the UK. Burgess will wear the number 12 jersey in his first international match for 2010, ahead of the season-ending Four Nations tournament against Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Burgess is looking forward to the challenge of taking on France in the mid-season Test. “It’s going to be good, there are a lot of new faces and the main reason why I came across was to be a part of the new setup. So hopefully we can gel well together for this weekend,” Burgess said. “You never know what to expect from the French really. It’s going to be a tough game, they’re a big set of guys and we’re a fairly young side as well. “Hopefully we can handle it and just get out there and enjoy playing together. The key for this week is to get the combinations together as a team.” Despite being the sole Englishman in the Rabbitohs’ ranks, Burgess is delighted by the way he has progressed since his move to Australia. “It’s going really well, I’m really enjoying myself both on and off the field,” Burgess added. “My game’s coming on pretty well over there. I’ve fitted in well with the guys and the lifestyle is just what I expected. “I get a lot of stick being the only Englishman in the team, but it’s good. There are a lot of Kiwi boys and Australians, so I just mix in. “I’m a bit of the joker in the pack, so no change there really. I’ve enjoyed my time so far, but I’m looking forward to this week with the England boys.”