By Chris Foy for The MailOnline Follow @@FoyChris When Stuart Lancaster had lunch with Bath head coach Mike Ford at a village pub outside Bradford-on-Avon earlier this month, Sam Burgess’s cross-code move was high on their mutual agenda. By the time they went their separate ways, the two men had a mutual vision too – of club and country being best served by the recruit from rugby league wearing No 12 on his back. In time, Bath may utilise Burgess as a back-row force of nature, but initially at least, he will serve a midfield apprenticeship, which suits England just fine.
@highlight
Burgess will link up with Bath in October for his high-profile cross-code switch
@highlight
Currently playing rugby league for Australian club South Sydney Rabbitohs
@highlight
Lancaster and Ford met up to discuss the best position to play him
@highlight
Burgess is expected to be a key player for England
@highlight
Ford travelled to Australia to meet the player's family
@highlight
New Bath team-mates will include fellow league convert Kyle Eastmond
There is a buzz of anticipation at @placeholder about the high-profile arrival from the rival code.