NRL: Sam Burgess denies domestic violence, drug use claims in bombshell report

South Sydney Rabbitohs great Sam Burgess has denied shocking allegations of domestic violence and drug use during his NRL career, according to his lawyer. 

A stunning four-month investigation by The Australian claims Souths attempted to cover up several incidents involving the former England captain.

The report says Burgess, now 31 and serving as Rabbitohs assistant coach, tested positive for ecstasy and ketamine, and the Rabbitohs allegedly used fake identities to protect their star player.

Ecstasy, is a psychoactive drug that can last upto six hours and give the user more energy while Ketamine is a sedative normally used in hospitals and can be used to treat depression.

Burgess allegedly assaulted heavily pregnant then-wife Phoebe Burgess in November 2018, witnessed by her father, Mitch Hooke. 

Hooke claims he heard Burgess harangue his wife with verbal abuse, including: "you weak c**t".

"I was worried she was going to lose the baby," Mr Hooke tells The Australian.

The incident was allegedly one of many where Burgess verbally and physically abused his wife. 

Phoebe Burgess also warned club owner Russell Crowe of Burgess' ­alleged use of "heavy drugs", as well as "booze" and "girls on social media" in a text message on November 26, 2018.

The drugs included cocaine, ecstasy and ketamine.

Earlier in the month, Burgess and older brother Luke also reportedly called Phoebe a "weak c**t" and a "f**king bitch". According to the report, former Rabbitohs player Jason Clark and club chief medical officer Andrew McDonald had to help calm Burgess down. 

Burgess and his wife split after the November incidents. 

Souths were aware of his off-pitch behaviour, but still promoted him to captain in April 2019.

Sam Burgess with Phoebe.
Sam Burgess with Phoebe. Photo credit: Getty

The Australian obtained pharmaceutical records, sworn police statements, statutory declarations, witness ­accounts, emails and texts, but Burgess' lawyer, Mark O'Brien, strongly ­denies all allegations

"The allegations are false and constitute an indefensible defamation against my client," says O'Brien 

"It is apparent sources of the false allegations are those currently in dispute with my client over various issues."

In a short statement to The Australian, Phoebe says: "This is an extremely painful, difficult time and I am trying to care for my two toddlers, while we move on from an extremely traumatic chapter of our lives."

The Rabbitohs have yet to comment on the allegations, as they prepare to face Newcastle Knights in NRL playoffs on Sunday.