Sam Burgess has claimed that family reasons were the key element behind his decision to return to rugby league after one season in rugby union.
The cross-code England international, 26, has left Bath and rejoined NRL side South Sydney Rabbitohs on a three-year deal.
Burgess is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "I want to thank everyone at England Rugby and Bath for some great memories over the last 12 months. I must also thank Bath especially for granting my release to return home to my family, who I have missed more than I could have imagined.
"I had a wonderful time in England and learnt a lot about the game of rugby union as both a back and a forward, and I have definitely developed as an all-round player and athlete after that. I'm now very lucky to be given the chance to come back to Souths and serve this club."
Burgess started his career in the Super League with the Bradford Bulls before joining the Rabbitohs in 2010, with whom he won the NRL title in 2014.
Giuseppe Labellarte
