SAS Australia: Sam Burgess says he’s ‘proud’ of himself and found ‘clarity’

Sam Burgess says he’s ‘proud’ of himself and found ‘clarity’ following his SAS Australia win… after breaking down during ‘death letter’ exercise


Sam Burgess was announced the winner of SAS Australia on Tuesday, after becoming the only recruit to pass selection.

And the 32-year-old footy star has now reflected on his win, saying he’s ‘proud’ of himself for getting through the gruelling course.

He told Fitzy and Wippa on Wednesday he’d found ‘clarity’ on Seven’s military-style show, especially after having to write a ‘death letter’ to his family.

Reflecting: Sam Burgess told Fitzy and Wippa on Wednesday he’d found ‘clarity’ after taking part in SAS Australia, especially after having to write a ‘death letter’ to his family

‘The show was such a great experience from start to finish. The emotional ride you go on, the physical challenges,’ Sam began. 

‘It was good to finish it, I’m glad the physical pain is over… I felt for [runners-up] Mark [Philippoussis] and John [Steffensen] because they were amazing on the course.

‘I didn’t really want to celebrate, it was a bittersweet moment.’

Sam was referencing the fact Mark and John had technically completed the course but failed to make the cut.

Emotional: Speaking of the 'death letter' exercise - when the recruits had to write letters to their families in the event of their death - Sam said the experience 'killed him' emotionally

Emotional: Speaking of the ‘death letter’ exercise – when the recruits had to write letters to their families in the event of their death – Sam said the experience ‘killed him’ emotionally

He added: ‘It’s a weird thing, but I’m obviously very proud.’

Speaking of the ‘death letter’ exercise – when the recruits had to write letters to their families in the event of their death – Sam said the experience ‘killed him’ emotionally.

When he read out the letter on the show, he burst into tears. 

‘In moments of discomfort or fatigue, when you’re at the bottom of the barrel, you do found some clarity,’ he explained.

‘The death letter exercise was a total surprise and when I went to put pen to paper I felt a wave of emotion, so many things I wanted to say.

Emotional moment: 'In moments of discomfort or fatigue, when you're at the bottom of the barrel, you do found some clarity,' he explained

Emotional moment: ‘In moments of discomfort or fatigue, when you’re at the bottom of the barrel, you do found some clarity,’ he explained 

‘Then reading it out loud, it killed me. I’m a big softy at heart, love my family, my kids my mum, my brothers more than anything in the world.

‘It did make me realise why do we wait to say those things, they are the most important people in our lives so we should focus all our energy and attention into that part of our lives.’

Sam completed the gruelling course alongside John Steffensen and Mark Philippoussis, neither of whom made the cut.

Close but no cigar: Mark Philippoussis (centre) and John Steffensen (left) also completed the SAS Australia course, but they didn't pass selection

Close but no cigar: Mark Philippoussis (centre) and John Steffensen (left) also completed the SAS Australia course, but they didn’t pass selection

After taking some time to deliberate, the show’s DS ultimately decided that only Sam had what it took to make it as an SAS soldier.

Sam said after being declared the winner: ‘What I’m taking from it is I’m going to pour all my time, my emotion, into the places that deserve it in my life.

‘It starts with my kids and just making sure I’m the best role model for them. It’s just a great lesson in life.’

Winner: After taking some time to deliberate, the show's DS ultimately decided that only Sam had what it took to make it as an SAS soldier

Winner: After taking some time to deliberate, the show’s DS ultimately decided that only Sam had what it took to make it as an SAS soldier

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