The NRL Integrity Unit has made its call on Sam Burgess’ case, clearing the former South Sydney and England star of domestic violence but fined and suspended him for other rule breaches.

Burgess has been fined $30,000 and banned for three months for his conduct between 2018 and 2021, in which he admitted taking drugs, threatening a fellow player – Roosters youngster Bill Smith – and driving with drugs in his system.

The three months will be backdated to October 2020, when Burgess stood himself down, meaning that in practice he can return to a role within the NRL immediately.

He had most recently been involved with the Orana Valley Axemen in Group 2 country footy on the Mid-North Coast, which would be unaffected by any NRL suspension as it falls outside of their jurisdiction.

He will also not be charged for the domestic violence after the NRL Integrity Unit did not find sufficient evidence to charge him.

The charges date back to allegations made in 2018 by his then-wife, Phoebe Burgess, and were initially published in The Australian in late 2020.

The police investigation into the incident was concluded in October 2021, but it has taken until today for the NRL to reach their call.

Additionally, Souths have been fined $20,000 for their part in failing to inform the Integrity Unit of allegations against Burgess, though they exonerated the club of any cover-up.

“The NRL has also concluded that the available evidence did not support a finding that there was a cover-up by the Club of the use by Burgess of illicit drugs, prescription drugs or that it engaged in a practice of covering up allegations of domestic violence,” said the statement released by the NRL.

“In particular, the investigation found that the treatment the Club Doctor provided Burgess in his home following a medical incident, was given in the doctor’s private capacity – not in his role as Club Doctor.

“Consistent with the doctor’s obligation of patient confidentiality, the Club was not informed of the medical incident or the treatment provided.”

Burgess responded to the decision on Instagram, writing: “I stand strongly against violence towards women. It has no place in society, no place in sport and no place in my life.”

“I am thankful the NRL has finally cleared my name against all allegations of domestic violence. I have now been cleared of three very public and defamatory investigations.

“This has been a long and damaging process, taking a toll on me both physically and mentally.”

“I have accepted full responsibility for the way certain parts of my life have unfolded throughout the last three years.

“I can now move on and continue to the next phase of my life knowing the truth has been revealed.

“I have made impactful and positive changes to my life and I am focusing on improving and developing as a man, son, father and now coach.

“I understand, but do not agree with all of the breach notices issued by the NRL. The punishment is grossly unfair and my lawyers have advised me of my appeal rights.

“However, I wish to move on with my life for matters that I believe have already been dealt with by the courts, judiciary and publicly.”