Sam Burgess is officially coming back to the NRL and South Sydney in 2016 after being released by English rugby club Bath.

Rabbitohs CEO John Lee has told 2KY’s Big Sports Breakfast that there was still work to do but Burgess would be back at Redfern next season.

“There’s some work to be done to make sure we have Sam totally within the cap” Lee said.

“I spoke with Sam today and he’s thrilled to be returning to Sydney and the Rabbitohs and looking forward to a long NRL career.

“Sam has a presence about him that I think we lacked this year, both on and off the field.”

Burgess thanked Bath in a statement released by the Rabbitohs.

“I want to thank everyone at England Rugby and Bath for some great memories over the last 12 months,” Burgess said.

“I must also thank Bath especially for granting my release to return home to my family who I have missed more than I could have imagined.

“I am also extremely excited to be joining back up with South Sydney. I cannot wait to get back into the Rabbitohs culture, full of great people and passionate Members and supporters.

“I had a wonderful time in England and learnt a lot about the game of Rugby Union as both a back and a forward, and I have definitely developed as an all-round player and athlete after that.

“I’m now very lucky to be given the chance to come back to Souths and serve this Club and its Members.

“I look forward to getting stuck into training with all the boys and working hard for the upcoming season.”

There is now strong rumours gun Souths centre Dylan Walker will be released to make room for Burgess and there is good mail that the two clubs in the running are Manly-Warringah and the Parramatta Eels.