NO MORE WAR UNTIL BODY IS FIXED

SAM WARBURTON is considering a sabbatical that would keep him away from rugby until next season.

The British and Irish Lions captain (left) underwent surgery in September on a long-standing neck injury and was ruled out of Wales’ entire autumn Test schedule.

He is due back in January, but it is understood he could call time on the whole season with the blessing of the Dragons – providing Cardiff Blues agree. “There’s no pressure on me to return to play,” said Warburton. “The priority is making sure I get my body back to full health to play.

“This is an injury I’ve been battling for three to four years. Once it’s sorted, hopefully it will reduce the number of shoulder stingers and nerve problems I’m getting.”

Warburton, 29, is contracted until 2020 and insists the 2019 World Cup is “definitely” the long-term goal.

But the man who has led the Lions on unbeaten tours of Australia and New Zealand is not about to rush back until his body is mended. “People ask me about the Six Nations,” said Warburton. “It would be difficult to presume you are going to go straight back in after six or seven months out.

“I haven’t had that conversation with any of the coaches. You can’t go rushing back into the international game, you’ve got to make sure you’re well conditioned, battle-hardened and ready to go at club level first.”

SAM WARBURTON was speaking at the launch of British & Irish Lions: Uncovered, out now on Blu-ray and DVD.