Sam Burgess will be able to join Warrington Wolves for their Las Vegas clash with Wigan Warriors this Saturday after his visa issues were cleared up.
As first reported by Australia’s Daily Telegraph last week, Wolves head coach Burgess was facing a wait for his visa to be issued after he had to attend an in-person interview at the US consulate in London as part of the application process.
The 36-year-old was still waiting when the Warrington squad flew out to Vegas last Sunday, but assistant coach Martin Gleeson announced in a press conference on Wednesday that Burgess was due to arrive later in the day.
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“It’s obviously a huge bonus,” Gleeson said. “A bit of uncertainty early in the week, but he’s on his way now.
“We knew there was a high probability he’d be getting over midweek, so everything’s gone according to plan. The lads will be pumped, they’ll be buzzing.”
The news Burgess had been granted his visa and was in transit was confirmed by the Wolves on social media as well.
The former England captain had to go through an extended application process due pleading guilty to three driving charges in 2021 when he was still based in Australia, although he avoided conviction and was instead ordered to complete a traffic offenders programme.
Burgess had spoken of his confidence his visa would be approved following last Friday’s 18-12 win at home to Catalans Dragons.
Wolves chief executive Karl Fitzpatrick insisted it would not overshadow what is set to be an historic occasion for the Betfred Super League at Allegiant Stadium.
“These are the cards that we’ve been dealt and we’ll deal with it accordingly,” Fitzpatrick told Sky Sports.
“The buzz around the place has not been brought down whatsoever by Sam’s visa application.”
