Sam Burgess and Ben Morgan named in England's Rugby World Cup squad

Sam Burgess was today handed a place in England’s 31 strong Rugby World Cup squad, despite being a rugby union rookie who only made his debut in November.

Ex-rugby league star Burgess, with just 17 union games for Bath, won the vote over fellow centres Luther Burrell and Billy Twelvetrees as head coach Stuart Lancaster made the biggest gamble of his tenure.

Burgess is joined in the squad by young Exeter centre Henry Slade, but there was World Cup heart break for Danny Cipriani and 37-year-old Nick Easter who were amongst the eight players deemed surplus to requirements when the final 31 names were revealed today.

The other four to miss out are Dave Attwood, Alex Corbisiero, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Calum Clark.

Lancaster said: “It’s really positive that we have such depth and options to choose from. Selection wasn’t easy and it is tough to leave anyone out but it’s important to stress that the players not in this group are still part of our wider squad and could come in at any point.

“After 10 weeks in camp we have made our final selection of players and we believe we have a great group to take us into the tournament. With three weeks to go before we play Fiji we believe we are in good shape as we head into next Saturday’s game against Ireland.

"As the excitement builds around the tournament we are looking forward to the country getting behind England and we know this group of players will represent the nation with pride.”

The inclusion of Burgess, who has played at centre and flanker for Bath and only made his England debut with Slade in the 19-14 win over France two weeks ago, has stunned many.

Former captain Will Carling believes Burgess is still too raw in union. "There is no one that I have spoken to who I respect - ex-players, coaches - who thinks he's ready," said Carling, who won 72 caps for England and led them to the 1991 World Cup final."I don't understand what the rush is and it's unfair on him."