With immediate effect etc according to BBC

Another one we've missed, though I doubt there was any real chance in that case.

Great news for England

Good. Like cruncher has been championing for some time, I hope he speaks out about the poor experience he's had playing Union for both club and country. This lad is a top, top athlete who's been scapegoated for England's WC exit. Those more knowledgable ex-RU players haven't used him but the more snobbish press have been quick to jump on him.
I really hope he's pillared in the RU press now and it could/should hopefully stop our lads heads getting turned for more wonga.

What are you doing this weekend Sam?

As delighted as I am to see him back there are plenty so called RU experts who should be hanging their heads in shame over his treatment. Also, whilst I have no affinity with Bath whatsoever, they must be seething. They had a huge potential in their hands and all that has been destroyed by the England management team.
I too hope Sam leaves the dignified silence routine and lets rip into his treatment from certain elements of the dark side. Finally, whilst we may still see defections at a lower level, surely this whole sorry episode will give pause to any top class league players considering taking the plunge?

I've just had a quick look on a Bath RU forum and they seem very quick to blame Lancaster for all this.

Good luck Sam, when you have done a couple of years, or less , back in Aus come and sample the sunny climate in Wigan !

We never replaced Sam Tomkins in the England squad, did we........?....

That doesn't surprise me, but I can't help thinking that Bath wouldn't have got anywhere near Burgess if there hadn't been some kind of promise of an England shirt built into the deal.

I may be wrong on that, of course, but several years ago Stevo said something along the lines of RL failing to compete because so many of these lads were basically being promised international selection if they swapped over.

I find it impossible to imagine Bath having anything to offer Big Sam in comparison to what he had in Aus (where there is also massive money), if there hadn't also been the lure of a much, much bigger stage.

According to some guy on Sky Sports News, England RU brokered the deal with Bath and were set to contribute to their costs. The other Premiership teams complained so the Bath owner went it alone. At this stage, England lost any influence regarding what position Sam played in and the rest is history.

Exactly this. He went to RU to play for England, not Bath. Joining a club side was just a means to an end and the only reason England weren't financing the move was to not upset other clubs. It was Lancaster who first approached Burgess about joining, not Bath or Ford.

The RFU should hang their heads in shame. Bath said he was a forward, England a centre. Not just a centre but an inside centre, a supposed second fly-half. Not that it matters but he was a No.8 (loose forward) all day long. Glad he's back.