SAM: I’M SET FOR JANUARY RETURN AFTER NECK OP
Wales star Sam Warburton has revealed he remains on course to return to action in January after undergoing neck surgery on a long-standing problem in September.
The British and Irish Lions skipper is missing Wales’ autumn international campaign, denying him a rematch with the All Blacks after leading the invitational side to an epic series draw in the summer.
The 29-year-old is now set to return for the Cardiff Blues in the new year, just in time for Wales’ opening Six Nations match against Scotland on February 3.
“I had the operation six weeks ago now, and it is a four-month return to play, which is January,” he said.
“The rehab is going smoothly so far, so all good.
“I’ve had no hiccups so far. It was quite a straightforward operation. People hear the words ‘neck operation’ and they wave the red flag.
“It wasn’t as invasive as perhaps other neck operations, where there are disc replacements or they do a stabilisation.
“It was in the neck, but it was through a nerve.
“I wasn’t too worried about it, and the operation went smoothly.”
Warburton was watching from the stands as Wales succumbed to their 13th consecutive defeat to Australia on Saturday – going down 29-21 – but, like many, he remains optimistic over their new attack style.
Wales boss Warren Gatland handed a home debut to Gloucester’s Owen Williams at inside centre in a bid to adopt a more expansive attacking mindset.
While the performance was far from flawless, Wales’ absent flanker took plenty of positives from what he saw as Owen Watkin, Leon Brown and Sam Cross were all given their first taste of Test rugby. “I was really pleased,” he said. “We had 12 line breaks in the game, which is an incredible amount to have. It was a great start.
“There were perhaps a few too many handling errors but I guess it is like changing your golf swing.
“You are not going to win the Masters straightaway, you are going to need a few more games and weeks to work on and tweak what you are doing.”
As well as the defeat, the evening was soured further by an ankle injury to in-form centre Jonathan Davies in the final passage of play.
The Welsh Rugby Union are yet to confirm the extent of the injury but have called up veteran centre Jamie Roberts and prop Scott Andrews as injury cover.