THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT

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.

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

The pair played in the same football team in Cardiff before going their separate ways – to the top of their BY ALEX SPINK respective sports. But 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 succumbed to injuries that 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 wellbeing 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 Welsh caps and a record 49 as captain, has not played since the Lions’ third Test draw with the world champion All Blacks.

Warburton had surgery on his knee and neck on return from New Zealand and sat out last season.

In May he was training with Wales but a fortnight into pre-season with his club he realised it wasn’t to be.

Wales and Lions boss Warren Gatland spoke of his “huge” disappointment.

Gatland added: “His leadership, attitude and demeanour along with his performances have placed Sam up there as one of the best and most respected players in the world.”