Sam Burgess in tears following ‘death letter’

“Not a day goes by that I have not felt you by my side, and my breath and food that I taste, the laughs that I’ve shared, but most importantly, the centre of my heart.”

Burgess continued to speak, despite the flood of tears that accompanied him.

He continued: “Keep pushing your boundaries and you’ll be surprised how far you go. You’re the three most amazing men. Be strong, be kind.”

He then moved onto his two young children, daughter Poppy, four, and son Billy, two, who he shares with his ex-wife, Phoebe Burgess.

“From the taste in your favourite food to the salty taste in your tears, that’s me. I’ll live on through you both in every which way…

“You can find me anywhere if you look hard enough. You’re my last thought and my last breath, but most importantly, I’ll be in your hearts forever.

“Be kind, be strong, be there for each other. Be fair and be wise. Care for one another and follow your hearts. But most of all, believe in yourselves like your father does so I’ll live forever. Love you.”