Sam Burgess will return home to England next year, with the NRL legend signing a two-year deal with Warrington Wolves to become the club's new head coach.
The 34-year-old will leave his assistant coaching role at the Rabbitohs to take over the top job following Daryl Powell's recent sacking, ending a lengthy association with the cardinal and myrtle.
Burgess will coach the likes of Matt Dufty, Paul Vaughan, George Williams and Sam Kasiano in 2024, with the side struggling in the second-half of this season.
After retiring due to injury at the end of 2019, Burgess immediately moved into the coaching ranks and has become a popular member of the South Sydney staff.
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Rabbitohs legend Sam Burgess signs with Warrington Wolves
In a statement released by the Wolves on Monday night (AEST), Burgess confirmed he would be moving to 'The Wire' next year and thanked the Bunnies for their support.
“From playing in the Super League to having the opportunity to lead an incredible club, it’s a full circle moment and one I am fully committed to and excited by," he said.
“I want to thank Simon [Moran], Stuart [Middleton] and Karl [Fitzpatrick] at the Wolves for their courage and collaboration, as I look forward to returning to England to coach this great club.
“To Russell [Crowe], Blake [Solly], JD [Jason Demetriou] and the stakeholders at South Sydney, thank you for supporting me in taking on this new position. We still have an opportunity to play some great football for the remainder of the year and to do so alongside our current staff and squad, is my focus.
"To the South Sydney members, the greatest fans in the game, I forever thank you for always being behind me. I will carry that support I feel from you wherever I go. This is not goodbye, but see you all soon."
Burgess played 182 games for Souths during his storied career, leading them to a drought-breaking premiership in 2014 and cementing himself as one of the foundation club's all-time greats.
Warrington chairman Stuart Middleton believes the acquisition will be a major boost for the squad over the next two campaigns.
"We’re thrilled to have Sam join us as our new head coach," he said.
“He is an impressive, young and determined coach with a huge reputation within the sport.
“He was a leader for both club and country at the highest level throughout his playing career and is extremely well-driven to now make his mark as a coach in Super League.
“The ambition he has for the club and the culture he wants to instil really impressed and stood out for us during the interview process. We firmly believe he is the right man to take the club forward."