'Sam Burgess has made a huge impact Downunder' says Quade Cooper

Australia fly-half Quade Cooper believes it will not be long before new rugby union recruit Sam Burgess forces his way into Stuart Lancaster’s England squad.

Burgess, who started out playing rugby league with Bradford Bulls, moved to Australia four years ago to join NRL side South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Earlier this year the 25-year-old announced he was switching codes and signed a three-year deal with top Aviva Premiership club Bath.

He’s made a massive impact in Australia

However, due to surgery to correct a fractured cheek bone and eye socket, Burgess is yet to play for his new club but is likely to make his union debut in December.

And Cooper says Burgess has made his presence known during his time Down Under.

He told Sky Sports News: “He’s made a massive impact in Australia and by all accounts is a fantastic bloke as well.

“I’m looking forward to seeing him in union and I’m certain he will be in and around the England team - they’ll want a guy of his calibre.

“First and foremost he’ll first try and cement his place with Bath and learn the game.”

Australia’s autumn fixtures:

v Barbarians (Nov 1st) at Twickenham

v Wales (Nov 8th) at Millennium Stadium, Cardiff

v France (Nov 15th) at Stade de France, Paris

v Ireland (Nov 22nd ) at Aviva Stadium, Dublin

v England (Nov 29th) at Twickenham