After his very recent retirement from playing Rugby, like many players, life after professional rugby can be difficult. Sam Wykes’ experience was no different at first.
However, with some determined resolve, he has created a wealth of opportunities for himself, from commentating to coaching and even corporate recruitment.
We hear what Sam’s transition from the life of a professional athlete to a desk job has been like, and how he has continued to give back to the rugby community.
We find out how COVID-19 and injury combined to spell the end of his career, and how he handled the difficult emotions surrounding this.
Sam also talks to us about his exciting new role and experience as a commentator for the Fijian Drua and some of the challenges he's faced, and what he is looking forward to this Super Rugby season.
We reminisce over his time at the Western Force and the Waratahs, and how the culture differs between these two teams.
“You’re surrounded by good people, a lot. Whether you’re in a winning team or a losing team it doesn’t matter. And any time I treated rugby like a job, I was unhappy. Because at the end of the day you’re supposed to enjoy it.” — @SamWykes4 [0:01:24]
“I always say ‘Yes’ to opportunities, even if I’ve got no experience, or probably no right being there.” — @SamWykes4 [0:11:21]
“We need all our teams firing at the moment to have a strong Wallabies team. There’s enough talent out there. I just think we’re neglecting the grassroots or the public school system to be able to get rugby playing again.” — @SamWykes4 [0:17:33]
“What I did is what I normally do, is just see if I can be of service to someone else. There’s always someone worse off than you, and there’s always someone better off than you. So, you just need to stay grateful.” — @SamWykes4 [0:19:28]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
After his very recent retirement from playing Rugby, like many players, life after professional rugby can be difficult. Sam Wykes’ experience was no different at first.
However, with some determined resolve, he has created a wealth of opportunities for himself, from commentating to coaching and even corporate recruitment.
We hear what Sam’s transition from the life of a professional athlete to a desk job has been like, and how he has continued to give back to the rugby community.
We find out how COVID-19 and injury combined to spell the end of his career, and how he handled the difficult emotions surrounding this.
Sam also talks to us about his exciting new role and experience as a commentator for the Fijian Drua and some of the challenges he's faced, and what he is looking forward to this Super Rugby season.
We reminisce over his time at the Western Force and the Waratahs, and how the culture differs between these two teams.
“You’re surrounded by good people, a lot. Whether you’re in a winning team or a losing team it doesn’t matter. And any time I treated rugby like a job, I was unhappy. Because at the end of the day you’re supposed to enjoy it.” — @SamWykes4 [0:01:24]
“I always say ‘Yes’ to opportunities, even if I’ve got no experience, or probably no right being there.” — @SamWykes4 [0:11:21]
“We need all our teams firing at the moment to have a strong Wallabies team. There’s enough talent out there. I just think we’re neglecting the grassroots or the public school system to be able to get rugby playing again.” — @SamWykes4 [0:17:33]
“What I did is what I normally do, is just see if I can be of service to someone else. There’s always someone worse off than you, and there’s always someone better off than you. So, you just need to stay grateful.” — @SamWykes4 [0:19:28]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: