Ex-England rugby World Cup star Sam Burgess arrested after allegedly failing random roadside drug test

FORMER England rugby union star Sam Burgess has denied taking illicit drugs after allegedly failing a random roadside test.

The 34-year-old, who played for his country at the 2015 World Cup, was reportedly pulled over by police in Kingsford, Australia, on Thursday morning while driving his BMW x5.

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Sam Burgess has denied allegations of drug takingCredit: Getty

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He is currently dating hairdresser Lucy GrahamCredit: Getty

Police have subsequently alleged they discovered Burgess had a suspended licence.

He then allegedly returned a positive test for cocaine and was taken to Maroubra Police Station.

Burgess, who pled guilty to having cocaine in his system while driving an unregistered car in February 2021, was eventually released after a second round of tests.

He has now denied allegations of drug taking, insisting an internationally-accredited laboratory conducted a urine test had found no drugs in his system.

Bryan Wrench, Burgess’ lawyer, release a statement on his client’s behalf insisting he has not “consumed, obtained, or possessed any illicit drugs”.

Burgess added: “An initial roadside drug test was taken, which showed positive to cocaine. A court date was issued for driving with a suspended licence.

“After I was released from the police station, I immediately and voluntarily went to an independent, internationally accredited testing facility and undertook a urine test. The urine sample returned a negative result to all illicit drugs.

“I deny any suggestion that I have drugs in my system. I have not consumed, obtained, or possessed any illicit drugs. 

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“I have made positive improvements to my life and to my driving since my full licence was returned to me following a 10-month loss of licence. I have undertaken road safety courses and since then I have not incurred any demerit points or fines. 

“I am clean and sober from drugs, living a happy, healthy and balanced life.”

Before Wrench said: “He completely denies any suggestion that he was involved with any illicit drugs and we have obtained a urine sample from an internationally-accredited laboratory confirming that he has not consumed any illicit drugs.”

Burgess was handed a court attendance notice regarding his suspended licence and is due to appear at Waverley Local Court on February 15.

He has not yet been charged in relation to the alleged positive drug test.

An NSW Police statement read: “Inquiries are continuing, and police will await the result of a secondary oral fluid analysis.”

As well as driving under the influence of cocaine last year – for which no conviction was recorded – Burgess was also fined £25,000 by the National Rugby League in 2018 for using illicit drugs and threatening another player.

Burgess recently began dating new girlfriend Lucy Graham – his first serious relationship since separating from wife Phoebe Burgess in 2019.

Burgess spent the majority of his career playing rugby league, turning out for the Bradford Bulls and South Sydney at club level and England on the international stage.

He then switched codes in 2014 and played for Bath during which he was called up the England rugby union side and became a dual-code international.

He retired from playing in 2019.

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Burgess hung up his boots and retired from playing in 2019Credit: Getty

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Burgess has previously pled guilty to driving under the influence of cocaineCredit: Getty