Bath have confirmed that Sam Burgess has left the rugby union club to rejoin NRL side South Sydney Rabbitohs.
The news that Burgess had opted to switch codes back to rugby league emerged on Thursday.
The 26-year-old signed a three-year-deal with Bath just 12 months ago, with the hope of competing for England in the World Cup on UK shores.
Burgess was selected for the tournament, but his inclusion caused much debate as the Red Rose failed to progress past the pool stage.
The sportsman has now signed a three-year-deal with his former club Rabbitohs, who also have Burgess's three brothers in their ranks.
On Friday morning, Bath confirmed the departure of Burgess, who cited family reasons for his decision to return to Australia.
Bath Rugby head coach Mike Ford said: "We hoped that Sam would stay at Bath. He was doing really well in making the switch over from league and, given time, he could've been a great rugby union player. Unfortunately, for personal reasons, he is returning to Australia.
"However, we're fortunate that we've got some very high calibre players here at the club, and with a big run of games coming up in the Aviva Premiership and the European Rugby Champions Cup, we'll be fully focused on these."
Burgess's mother also resides in Australia.
