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.  Welcome to Sam Wykes, professional rugby player, commentator, and recruiter.What Sam enjoyed most about playing professional rugby, and what he’s going to miss most. The lessons learned from transitioning from playing sport for a living into the corporate world: don’t expect to be good from the start, and adjusting to the office environment.Sam’s experience playing in Japan, from living there to learning from some of the best rugby minds in the world. What Sam thinks the Fijian Drua will bring to Super Rugby. Where to hear Sam commentating.The training he has received to prepare him for commentating, and the technical challenges that he faced. Moving from the Western Force to the Waratahs and the differences Sam noticed between the two teams. What Sam did during his time off due to injury, and the importance of giving back to the sport at the grassroots level. The connections and social skills that will help grow the game, and getting the game back to where it was. Skills that Sam transferred from rugby to working in recruitment (not computer skills).The importance of having tough conversations, from rugby to the corporate world.  “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: Sam Wykes on LinkedIn Katrina Email Address RugbyKO Email RugbyKO