The South Sydney Rabbitohs have released forward Sam Burgess from the final two years of his NRL contract, finishing up his time at the Rabbitohs at the conclusion of the 2014 season. Burgess remains contracted to the Rabbitohs for season 2014 and is set to head to England to play rugby union for Bath Rugby at the end of the year to fulfill a long-held ambition to become a dual-international, with the opportunity to play in the 2015 Rugby World Cup and English club rugby success. The Rabbitohs recently received a request from Sam Burgess for a release from his contract which, after long discussions, has been granted, with the Rabbitohs negotiating an undisclosed release fee. The Rabbitohs have also negotiated a clause in the release that the Club has first and last offer on Burgess’ services should he return to Rugby League in the future.

The transfer fee from Bath Rugby Union is reported to be $1 mil dollars.