Sam Burgess 'over the moon' as massive pregnancy news comes to light
The South Sydney Rabbitohs champion first went public with his relationship with Lucy Graham last October.
Sam Burgess and girlfriend Lucy Graham are reportedly expecting their first child together, with a friend of the happy couple spilling the wonderful news. Burgess and Graham only went public with their relationship last October, and are now taking things to the next level.
A friend of Burgess told told News Corp on Thursday that the retired cross-code superstar is "over the moon" and “extremely happy” about the news. A spokesperson for the couple later said Burgess and Graham “are happy and healthy and excited about their future together.”
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Burgess and Graham went public with their relationship at the premiere of Russell Crowe’s film 'Poker Face' in October last year. They both hail from the UK and have reportedly known each other for 20 years.
Burgess split with ex-wife Phoebe in 2019. The NRL premiership winner shares children Poppy (four) and Billy (three) with her.
The 34-year-old retired from the NRL at the end of the 2019 season after 270 games in top-flight rugby league. He played 182 games across two stints with the Rabbitohs - helping them win the premiership in 2014 - after 88 games for Bradford in Super League in the UK.
Sam Burgess back working at South Sydney Rabbitohs
Burgess made a switch to rugby union in 2014, playing for Bath and representing England at the Rugby World Cup in 2015. He has since returned to an assistant coaching role at the Rabbitohs after being stood down in 2020 over off-field behaviour.
The 34-year-old spent last year coaching the Orara Valley Axemen in NSW Rugby League's Group 2 competition. He is now working under Jason Demetriou at the Rabbitohs after being courted by Wayne Bennett to join him at the Dolphins.
"He's added some energy and he's a fun, hard-working guy," five-eighth Cody Walker told AAP about working with Burgess. "It's the same as when he played the game, he's helpful to the young guys and gives them tips.
"He was one of the best forwards, and he's got that factor in that he knows how to motivate men. He had that aura of being able to bring a group together and that knack of firing you up. So many of us played with him and understand what he's about - he's one of the smartest minds, which is rare for a forward."
Burgess is helping run the Rabbitohs' defensive game plan and leading wrestling sessions alongside fellow assistant coach John Morris. Centre Campbell Graham said: "He's been doing a lot of our mind-set stuff for when we're defending our try line. He's a very passionate leader and a very passionate coach."
The Rabbitohs have made four preliminary finals and one grand final in the past five years. However they have failed to go one step further and win the premiership. "I think him supporting JD (Jason Demetriou) will be a big help in us moving to the next level," Burgess' brother Tom said.
"He's got that mentality that he brings to the groups. I think he's a big help for the leaders because he always was one, even when he was a young player. (This year) it's about finding that next bit of energy you need in big games and building that connection when things get tough."
with AAP
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