Monday 11 April 2016 15:39, UK
Former England head coach Stuart Lancaster admits he made the wrong decision to pick Sam Burgess in his squad for last year's Rugby World Cup.
Burgess switched codes in 2014 and was selected to be part of Lancaster's 31-man squad for last year's tournament ahead of players including Kyle Eastmond and Luther Burrell.
The 27-year-old struggled to make an impact as England failed to reach the quarter-finals, with Burgess opting to return to return to rugby league a matter of weeks after the conclusion of the tournament.
Lancaster described Burgess as a "positive" influence on the England squad but says with hindsight he would have taken a different course of action.
"Clearly, hindsight is a wonderful thing," he told the BBC.
"If I'd known he was going to go back to rugby league, then my decisions would have been different, but we didn't know that at the time. It's a shame for everyone. I don't think there was any winner in the end."
Eddie Jones replaced Lancaster after the World Cup and has since guided England to their first Grand Slam win in 13 years.
Lancaster says he is still coming to terms with England's World Cup ordeal but insists he is ready to return to the game after spending much of the winter in Australia, where he has been speaking to Super Rugby coaches.
"A lot of things have happened since the World Cup, but it is still fresh in my mind," he said.
"You think about it most days. I was accountable more than anyone. I was the head coach and it was my responsibility to lead the team.
"I'm delighted for the players, the management and the coaches that we got the Grand Slam. I'm equally delighted for the England rugby fans, because they stayed behind the team right the way throughout.
"They all deserve the success. I will always support the England team; that will never change.
"I don't feel so burnt by the whole experience that I don't want to coach again," he added. "You need a new project to get your teeth into, otherwise you are always dwelling on the old one.
"The lure of coaching Super Rugby is a big one. The southern hemisphere would be a tremendous challenge and a great opportunity. I hope something comes around the corner soon and I want to make it the right decision."
