British NRL star Luke Burgess officially becomes an Australian citizen at Bondi ceremony: ‘I love this country I now call home’
Luke Burgess is an official Australian citizen.
The former NRL player, who hails from West Yorkshire, England, received his Australian citizenship on Saturday in Sydney.
Luke, 36, posted a carousel of photos to his Instagram from the exciting day with the caption: ‘A very special day for me to receive my Australian citizenship.
“I love this country that I now call home and it is an honor to be an official part of this amazing cultural heritage. #Citizenship.’
He was accompanied by his partner Tori May and their daughter Charlotte.
Luke Burgess (pictured) is an official Australian citizen! The former NRL player, who hails from West Yorkshire, England, received his Australian citizenship on Saturday in Sydney
In one photo, the happy family stood in front of an Australian and Aboriginal flag at the Bondi Pavillion citizenship ceremony.
The NRL star was also joined by MP Kellie Sloane, who posted a picture of them on her Instagram page holding his citizenship certificate.
She captioned the snap: ‘Big news – this legend is now officially an Aussie. Congratulations – and great to be a part of your citizenship ceremony in Australia’s most iconic locations.”
Friends and fans of the former Rabbitohs player jumped to the comments on his Instagram post to congratulate him.
British TV personality Ant Middleton said, “Congratulations Bro, great news.”
He was accompanied by his partner Tori May and their baby daughter Charlotte as the happy family stood in front of an Australian and Aboriginal flag at the Bondi Pavillion citizenship ceremony
Luke, 36, posted a carousel of photos to his Instagram from the exciting day
The NRL star was also joined by MP Kellie Sloane, who posted a photo of them on her Instagram page holding his citizenship certificate
While celebrity chef Manu Feildel wrote, “Congratulations friend. We’re very lucky to live here.’
And model Simone Holtznagel commented, “Omg your baby tho.”
Luke first made his name in the UK with Leeds Rhinos in the English Super League, winning a title in 2009.
He then moved to Australia ahead of the 2011 NRL season and signed a deal along with his three siblings – Sam and the twins, George and Tom – at South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Luke got his Australian citizenship after moving to the country in 2011