England head coach Stuart Lancaster is convinced Sam Burgess will remain a rugby player despite growing speculation he'll return to league after the World Cup.
Odds have been shortened on Burgess, 26, ending his cross-code adventure after only a year and one bookmaker has stopped taking bets amid reports he's set to join Super League club Leeds Rhinos.
England crashed out of the World Cup with a 33-13 defeat by Australia and the former South Sydney star's contribution to the campaign was one start and two replacement appearances. Burgess has been dropped from the match-day 23 for Sunday's final game against Uruguay and there is a groundswell of opinion that he's made his last England appearance.
However, Lancaster insists Burgess will not be ending his three-and-a-half-year contract after only 12 months.
"I've not had any conversations with him about a move to rugby league at all," Lancaster said. "Genuinely, 100 per cent I didn't know that story was out there. My last conversation with him was about going back to Bath. He can't wait to get stuck into the Premiership."
Lancaster offered a glimpse into England's future by naming a midfield trio of George Ford, Owen Farrell and Henry Slade against Uruguay.
Completing the backline reshuffle for the death throes of the failed World Cup at Manchester City Stadium are halfback Danny Care, wing Jack Nowell and fullback Alex Goode.
"Sam wasn't picked because I want to have a look at this combination."
- AAP