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Sam Burgess ‘choked out instructor' during SAS Australia challenge
Former NRL star Sam Burgess reportedly 'choked out' one of the SAS Australia instructors while filming the reality show.
The incident is said to have occurred during an intense ‘kidnapping’ exercise, which reportedly lead to an ambulance having to be called.
The 32-year-old is one of the 18 celebrities competing on the second season of SAS Australia, which promises to be “the most difficult course yet”.
The series puts Aussie stars to the test in a number of physical and psychological challenges from a team of ex-Special Forces soldiers.
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According to Fox Sports, one of this season’s tasks sees Sam and seven other celebrities ‘kidnapped’ in the back of a car and driven at speeds of up to 100km/h.
While the essence of the exercise was to see who would step up and rescue the other ‘hostages’, Sam took it one step further.
“Sam took matters into his own hands, ordering [John] Steffensen to pull the handbrake,” Fox Sports reporter James Hooper claims.
“Burgess reached over and put the soldier in a head lock, choking him out, before climbing in to the driver’s seat and taking the wheel.”
An ambulance was reportedly called while instructors and producers were left “dumbfounded”.
In a statement to Yahoo Lifestyle, a Channel 7 spokesperson says: “The new season of SAS Australia, coming soon to Channel 7 and 7plus, is the most gruelling course in the world to date. All participants will be pushed to their limits like never before.”
The full line up of celebrities also includes Kory Abberton, Bonnie Anderson, Isabelle Cornish, Brynne Edelsten, Dan Ewing, Manu Feildel, Erin Holland, Emma Husar, Jett Kenny, Alicia Molik, Pete Murray, Jessica Peris, Mark Philippoussis, Jana Pittman, Kerri Pottharst, Heath Shaw and John Steffensen.
The casting announcement was made back in April, with the previous year’s contestants commenting well wishes.
“Excellent,” Schapelle Corby wrote. “Good line up.”
Ali Oetjen added: “Awesome, how exciting! Cannot wait to watch, all the best!”
“Good lucky guys,” Eden Dally shared.
“Amazing lineup, can’t wait to watch,” Erin McNaught posted.
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