I hope Sam can reflect on magnificent career – Gatland

WALES coach Warren Gatland led the tributes to Sam Warburton after the Cardiff Blues, Wales and British and Irish Lions flanker called time on his illustrious career.

Gatland, who handed Warburton the Wales and Lions captaincy, said: “It is hugely disappointing that Sam has retired from the game.

“He is an outstanding rugby player and he has brought so much to the game on and off the pitch.

“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. He finishes with a record that he should be extremely proud of and should look back on his career with huge pride.

“In a Test career full of great moments, one in particular sticks in my mind. His captaincy in the third test for the Lions in New Zealand, in a game finely balanced and potentially historic, was exemplary. The New Zealand media were mightily impressed by him, and rightly so.

“I hope he can take the time to reflect on a magnificent career and I hope he gets as much pleasure from whatever he does next as he has brought to the people of Wales and the wider rugby public.”

Martyn Phillips, the WRU chief executive added: “Sam has left the jersey in a better place which is the goal I know most, if not all, Welsh players set themselves. The way that Sam has conducted himself as Wales and Lions captain, on and off the pitch, has been exemplary.

“Even the manner in which he has made this extraordinarily tough decision demonstrates the quality of leader he has become. Sam has had a remarkable influence on the pitch for Wales and I suspect will have a remarkable influence off the pitch for many years to come.”

John Mulvihill, the new Cardiff Blues head coach, said: “I met with Sam and he informed me of his decision and his reasons behind it. He is a world-class player and person and was more concerned about letting myself and the Cardiff Blues family down rather than his immediate future.

“As a player, person and role model in rugby he has nothing else to prove.

“His class and achievements will stand the test of time. He is a Welsh rugby and Cardiff Blues legend and we all wish him and his young family much love, health and happiness in the future.”

Richard Holland, chief executive officer of the Cardiff Blues added: “Sam was desperate to get back onto the pitch and to give back to Cardiff Blues but he has contributed an immense amount to the entire organisation during the 10 years he has been here.

“He has remained a one-club man, which is testament to his character both as a player and a man, and will always be part of our family at Cardiff Arms Park. I look forward to meeting Sam in the coming weeks to discuss how he can remain part of the organisation moving forward.”