Sunday Times

Injuries force Lions skipper Warburton to quit

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● British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton has retired from rugby 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 wellbeing as a priority as my body is unable to give me back what I had hoped for on my return to training,” Warburton said, picking out Wales coach Warren Gatland for praise.

“To look back on my career, I’m extremely proud of what I managed to achieve. I would like to 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 home-town region in April 2009 and winning his first cap just two months later, is the most successful British and Irish Lions captain yet.

Last year he became only the second man after Martin Johnson to captain the Lions on two tours.

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.

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