Sam Burgess is expected to leave Bath and rugby union to return to rugby league with South Sydney Rabbitohs, sending shock waves through both codes.
Burgess was fast-tracked into the England set-up but failed to shine in the home World Cup and now appears to have turned his back on the 15-man code.
H ere are some of the reactions of people within the game or close to it on Twitter:
"So @SamBurgess8 has left Rugby Union. A sad end to a chapter that the England coaches handled so badly" - Former England captain Will Carling ( @willcarling).
"Is Sam Burgess available for Saturday lol" - Former Wigan, Great Britain and England international winger Martin Offiah ( @martinoffiah).
"If it's true about @SamBurgess8 then it's a sad day for the rugby world and a great one for @SSFCRABBITOHS" - New Zealand dual code international Sonny Bill Williams ( @SonnyBWilliams).
"Am I hearing @SamBurgess8 has left Bath? If so rugby union has let the lad down" - Former England centre Will Greenwood (@WillGreenwood).
"If @SamBurgess8 has gone back to league then it's fair to say @EnglandRugby should hold their hand up. What a waste, what a mess" - London Welsh and former England fly-half Olly Barkley (@ollybarkley).
"The Burgess story is a lesson in one thing - world cups are not the place to try out untested talent. RU fans did not want him to fail; too many wanted him to succeed too early & poor selection. Good luck to a great player. " - Former England hooker Brian Moore ( @brianmoore666).
"All the Best mate, you are going back to your strength and where you are respected @SamBurgess8" - Former dual code Welsh Rugby international & British Lion John Devereux ( @DevereuxJohn13).
"Sam Burgess gone with immediate effect. Could've been a top player with TIME - just needed TIME!" - Former Harlequins, England & British & Irish Lions player Ugo Monye (@ugomonye).
"Shame to see @SamBurgess8 leave Union. Had the potential to be a great player. #whathappened" - Harlequins scrum-half Karl Dickson ( @kdickson9).
"Sorry end to an all-too-short stay. Picked way too early by Eng. We'll never know how good SB could be. Surprised he's choosing to walk" - Radio 5 commentator Alastair Eykyn (@alastaireykyn).
"If true then so sorry 2 c @SamBurgess8 go. Nothing but respect 4 you mate and what you do. Will be following your journey- inspired as ever" - England World Cup winner Jonny Wilkinson (@jonnywilkinson).
Source: PA
