South Sydney forward Sam Burgess is reportedly weighing up an offer to quit the NRL after this season to play for England at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

England’s Rugby Football Union made a secret approach to Burgess during the Rugby League World Cup in the UK in November, according to News Corp Australia.

The Rabbitohs’ star is contracted until the end of 2016 and there are no get-out clauses in his deal, meaning Souths would have to agree to release him.

News Corp says it is understood Burgess will see out his obligations with South Sydney this season but has told the club he might seek a release for 2015.

The report says Burgess is apparently excited by the prospect of becoming a dual international and playing in front of sellout crowds at Twickenham in rugby union’s showpiece.