Former NRL star Sam Burgess arrested after allegedly failing roadside drug test, driving on suspended license

Former NRL star Sam Burgess will face court next year after allegedly driving on a suspended license and failing a roadside drug test.

The 34-year-old claims he didn't have any illicit drugs in his system even though he tested positive for cocaine in front of police.

Police said Burgess was arrested shortly after 10am on Thursday after being pulled over in his BMW in Sydney's east.

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Police say he was driving on a suspended license and that his drug test came back positive.

"Police stopped a BMW X5 on Bunnerong Road at Kingsford for the purpose of roadside testing," a spokesperson said.

"Checks revealed the driver, a 34-year-old man, had a suspended licence.

"The man was arrested after returning a positive result on a random drug test and was taken to Maroubra Police Station."

Police are waiting on further analysis in relation to the alleged positive drug test, but the former South Sydney Rabbitoh insists he is clean.

"An initial roadside drug test was taken, which showed positive to cocaine," Burgess said in a statement.

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"After I was released from the police station, I immediately and voluntarily went to an independent, internationally accredited testing facility and undertook a urine test.

"The urine sample returned a negative result to all illicit drugs.

"I deny any suggestion that I have drugs in my system. I have not consumed, obtained, or possessed any illicit drugs."

Burgess also said his license had been returned to him following a 10-month suspension.

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"I have made positive improvements to my life and to my driving since my full licence was returned to me following a 10-month loss of licence," he said.

"I have undertaken road safety courses and since then I have not incurred any demerit points or any fines.

"I am clean and sober from drugs, living a happy, healthy, and balanced life."

Burgess was issued a court attendance notice for driving while suspended. He will appear at Waverley Local Court on February 15.