Shock as Wales’ Warburton calls it a day

– British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton (right) has retired from rugby union at the age of 29, admitting defeat in his battle against chronic injury.

Flanker Warburton, who won 74 Wales caps and captained his country a record 49 times, was forced to sit out last season after undergoing knee and neck surgery.

“Unfortunately, after a long period of rest and rehabilitation the decision to retire from rugby has been made with my health and well-being as a priority as my body is unable to give me back what I had hoped for on my return to

Cardiff

training,” Warburton said, picking out Wales coach Warren Gatland for special praise.

“To look back on my career, I’m extremely proud of what I managed to achieve. I would like the make special mention of Warren Gatland. Without the faith he had in me and his unwavering support I would never have had the career I was able to pursue.”

Warburton, who spent his entire professional career with Cardiff Blues, making his debut for his hometown region in April 2009 and winning his first cap just two months later, will go down in history as the most successful British and Irish Lions captain of all time.

Last year he became only the second man after ex-England lock Martin Johnson to captain the Lions on two tours as he led the touring team to New Zealand, repeating the honour he first undertook in 2013 in Australia.

Under his leadership the Lions claimed a first Test series victory in 16 years when they beat Australia and four years later in 2017 he once again led the Lions as they earned an historic series draw against double defending world champions New Zealand.

Wales coach Gatland, who led the Lions on their last tour to New Zealand, added: “It is hugely disappointing that Sam has retired from the game. He is an outstanding rugby player and he has brought so much to the game on and off the pitch.”

Wales and Lions legend Gareth Edwards added: “It’s been a shock to everyone, perhaps more for him than anyone else.

“I wasn’t expecting it. Am I surprised? The modern game, it is so physical. The hits their bodies take, I think you may see more and more players retiring earlier as the years go on,” Edwards told the BBC. – AFP