BALE: GOOD LUCK SAM ... A RUGBY GREAT & A #WELSH LEGEND

Old school pal and Real Galactico leads tributes to Warburton as he is forced to retire at just 29

GARETH BALE hailed Sam Warburton as a Welsh legend after the British and Irish Lions captain quit rugby with immediate effect.

Warburton announced he is hanging up his boots at the age of 29 due to his body being broken by the sport he loves.

“One of the modern greats of rugby,” tweeted Real Madrid star and former school-mate Bale. “Good luck for everything in the future @samwarburton_ #welshlegend“

The pair played together in the same football team at Whitchurch High School in Cardiff (right) before going their separate ways to the top of their respective sports.

Warburton, who led the best of British and Irish to series glory over Australia in 2013 and a draw with New Zealand last summer, has finally succumbed to the injuries which dogged him for four years. He said: “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. My body is unable to give me back what I had hoped for on my return to training.”

The Cardiff Blues flanker, who won 74 caps for Wales – a record 49 as captain – has not played since the Lions’ third Test draw with the All Blacks.

His final contribution of an immense career was to persuade French ref Romain Poite not to award a last-gasp penalty, which would have cost his side the series.

Warburton underwent surgery on his knee and neck on returning from New Zealand and sat out last season. As recently as May he was training with Wales, hopeful of a return to action in the coming season. But a fortnight into preseason work with his club he realised it was not to be.

Wales and Lions boss Warren Gatland spoke of his “huge” disappointment, adding: “His leadership, attitude and demeanour along with his performances place Sam up there as one of the best and most respected players in the world. He finishes with a record that he should be extremely proud of – and should look back on his career with huge pride.”

Warburton made friends wherever he went with his classy demeanour on and off the pitch.

His captaincy of the 2017 Lions was masterful. The Welsh Rugby Union will surely try to keep him involved.

Wales great Jonathan Davies said: “It is difficult when your career comes to a stop and it will take time for Sam to come to terms with that.

“Nothing ever replaces the act of playing and that takes some getting used to. But once Sam accepts that reality, I’m sure he’ll have opportunities.

“His sporting credentials are second to none and he is universally respected.”

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