Wednesday 10 September 2014 13:14, UK
World Cup winner Lewis Moody says next year's competition will come too soon for England hopeful Sam Burgess.
Burgess, 25, switched codes this summer having impressed for South Sydney Rabbitohs during four years in the NRL and made some telling contributions in an England shirt in last year's Rugby League World Cup.
However, Moody, who was part of the triumphant 2003 England World Cup squad, warns that Burgess may need more time to adjust to union at club-level with Bath than many imagine.
Will they put him straight into the squad? With the way Stuart's been I find it hard to imagine that they would include him straight away.
The former Bath and Leicester flanker said: "There's a lot of interest and excitement around Sam's arrival, on how he'll fit into the Bath squad and what will happen with England.
"Will they put him straight into the squad? With the way Stuart's been I find it hard to imagine that they would include him straight away.
"Going back to 2003 Josh Lewsey hadn't played many games for England going into the Six Nations. So there's always a chance for him, but I think the World Cup will be far too soon.
"But that won't be down to coaches or other players, it will be down to Sam and how quickly he fits into the game.
"I'm sure he'll have been doing his homework on rucking and mauling, offside lines and dark arts, because it's a very different game."
Burgess is due to arrive at the Recreation Ground in October and Bath head coach Mike Ford is expected to introduce him to the first team fold as a centre.
