Sam Burgess's return to South Sydney Rabbitohs stalls

Sam Burgess's return to South Sydney Rabbitohs has reportedly been held up by the NRL.

The 26-year-old agreed a deal with the Australian side earlier this month after leaving rugby union side Bath.

Burgess spent just one year at Bath after switching codes from league to union with the hope of competing for England in the home World Cup.

The Yorkshire-born player, who guided the Rabbitohs to the NRL title in 2014 during a four-year stay, played in the tournament, but his selection caused much debate.

According to BBC Sport, the NRL has put Burgess's return to Rabbitohs on hold because the club need to release players in order to free up space on the salary cap.

Burgess cited family reasons for his departure from Bath.