Former England international Sam Burgess was fortunate to escape a sickening clash without major injuries when playing for the South Sydney Rabbitohs. 

The former union convert returned to play in the NRL after a miserable World Cup campaign with England, and was playing in just his third game back in Australia.

Spectators feared the worst after the rampaging back collided with a St George Illawara Dragons defender, with Burgess receiving lengthy treatment on the pitch before being taken off in a neck brace and stretcher. 

Rabbitohs owner Russell Crowe and Burgess' mother were both in attendance at the match, with the incident leaving both of them visibly shaken as the video shows. 

However, the injury doesn't seem as bad as once feared, with Burgess tweeting out a positive outlook, alleviating fears about a serious neck injury. 

Initial scan results are positive. Thank you all for messages of support - feeling extremely lucky tonight. A few days of rest now. Sam

— Sam Burgess (@SamBurgess8) March 20, 2016