Sam Burgess returned to training with Bath on Monday morning, the Aviva Premiership club have confirmed.

The 26-year-old has been the subject of intense speculation over his future since his controversial involvement in England’s World Cup squad.

He is reportedly seeking a return to rugby league just a year after his high-profile cross-code switch.

Burgess, who has two years left on his contract at Bath, was given time off by the club last week after coach Mike Ford revealed he “didn’t quite feel right” on his return from World Cup duty.

His former club South Sydney Rabbitohs are keen to lure him back to the NRL, but Ford remains hopeful of convincing Burgess to stick with union.