GLOUCESTER HAVE OFFICIALLY confirmed that Freddie Burns will leave the Premiership club at the end of the season, a move that was highly anticipated.
The England international, who made his debut against the All Blacks in 2012, is expected to pitch up at Leicester Tigers next season to replace the departing Toby Flood. At 23, Burns’ career has hit something of a speedbump this season, but he remains a promising talent.
A native of Bath, the out-half was omitted from the England Saxons and Six Nations squads this month, although he is set to appear for the former in the clash against the Ireland Wolfhounds on January the 25th at Kingsholm. Burns excelled for England on last summer’s tour of Argentina, where he started both tests at 10.
His form for Gloucester this season has been inconsistent though and he struggled again during the defeat to Munster last weekend in the Heineken Cup. A move to Leicester has not yet been confirmed, but now looks almost certain.
However, Gloucester boss Nigel Davies expects Burns to focus on the remainder of the season with his current club.
Freddie has made a tremendous contribution to Gloucester Rugby and, when he does leave us at the end of the season, everyone at the Club will wish him well. Until that time however, I know that Freddie will be fully committed to Gloucester Rugby and that he will be determined to help us be as successful as possible this season.”
Burns himself underlined his ongoing commitment, while also thanking the club for his professional chance.
“I’ve had a lot of things to consider regarding my future in recent months, and it’s not been easy. But I’m still a Gloucester player and will be giving it 100%, as I always have done, whenever I pull on the shirt.
“Gloucester have been incredibly supportive, they have been ever since I first joined the club. I have so many people to be grateful to. Whatever happens in the future, it all started here for me and I’ll always be thankful for that.”
What’s your take on Burns? Was he a flash in the pan or will we see him back in an England senior shirt in the near future?
Seems Ford and even Myler are ahead him now. Playing for Leicester will help but one would think that unless there are injuries Lancaster has his squad picked that he wants to take through to the RWC.
Glousters pack is mostly going backwards this year, makes life hard for an out half.