Rugby harder than I thought - ex-League star Sam Burgess

Sam Burgess, left, of Bath chases the ball alongside Rene Ranger of Montpellier. Photo / Getty Images

Former league star Sam Burgess has admitted playing rugby is harder than he thought after making his starting debut in the 15-man code on Saturday.

The England league international who finished his league career by winning the NRL title with the Rabbitons in September made his run-on debut for Bath in a Champions Cup victory over French side Montpellier.

Burgess inadvertently set up the opening try in the 32-12 victory after the ball bounced off his knee and into the hands of winger Matt Banahan.

Burgess, who played 95 NRL encounters for the Rabbitohs, made a few noticable errors including being stripped of the ball after holding the ball too high into contact. He was also penalised twice at rucktime.

"Certainly it's harder than I thought, but it's a game I've never played before. I thought they [league and union] would be very similar in a lot of ways but they are actually not," the 26-year-old told the BBC.

"I've got mixed feelings. There are things I can improve on but I'm happy with some aspects of the game. To get a full 80 was good. I'm looking forward to reviewing the game and seeing where I can improve.

"It's the first 80 minutes of hopefully a few more and I will take a lot from the game.

"It's been a great challenge and although it's been hard, it's been enjoyable."