Sam Burgess has been forced to withdraw from England's upcoming Test matches against France and New Zealand due to shoulder and wrist surgery.
South Sydney Rabbitohs star Burgess will miss the internationals as he prepares to go under the knife, it was announced on Friday.
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England – who have included five uncapped players in their 24-man squad – will face France on October 17 before going head-to-head with New Zealand in a three-Test series, starting in Hull on October 27.
"I'm gutted that I have had to withdraw from these matches as I love playing for my country and it is a great honour," said Burgess.
"The reality of the situation is that it's imperative that I get these surgeries done, and with a view to the next three or four years, I need to get them done now.
"I'll be watching on from Australia and cheering on England against France and New Zealand, and I'm sure the team will do England proud."
Burgess made 23 appearances in the 2018 NRL season as the Rabbitohs reached the Preliminary Final before losing to eventual champions Sydney Roosters.
