Sam Burgess said on Thursday he "feels like a rugby union player" ahead of England's final World Cup warm-up game against Ireland, and that he thinks his friend Russell Crowe might switch allegiance from Australia to the hosts for the competition.

Script: SOUNDBITE: (English) Sam Burgess, England centre (on being picked in the 31-man squad)

"It's a funny one to deal with, I guess, in terms of the day. You build relationships and friendships with people over 10 weeks and then as you're getting told good news, someone's getting told bad news. I'm straight into the gym half an hour later to do training with these guys so we just get on with it like professionals but it's certainly a very proud moment."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Sam Burgess, England centre (on being a rugby union player)

"I feel like over the last 10 weeks...someone just asked me a question, 'How do you feel?' I said I feel like a rugby union player. People are always going to compare my past to what's going on now whereas I'd rather not. I feel like a rugby union player, I feel like I'm ready to do the job in hand, whatever that may be, and add my weight to the squad in whatever capacity that is."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Sam Burgess, England centre (on his friendship with actor Russell Crowe)

"Yeah, I've spoken to Russell quite a bit actually. I think he rode the wave just as much as me. I think he just cares for me, which is wonderful, and it's great to have him in my life. I do appreciate it. I dare say he might be an England fan throughout the World Cup but we'll wait and see."

Q - Are you getting him tickets for England-Australia?

"Yeah, I think he's working, I think he's on a movie at the time. But if he's in town, he might come across."