Story highlights
Warburton last played in 2017
Cites health as reason for quitting
Captained Lions to series win in Australia
British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton has shocked the world of rugby, retiring from the game at the age of just 29.
The Welshman, who won 74 Wales and five Lions caps, led his country to Grand Slam and Six Nations glory and will be regarded as one of the best Welsh players in history.
His last match was the Lions’ historic Test draw against New Zealand in June 2017, after which he underwent neck and knee 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,” said Warburton in a statement.
“I cannot thank the Welsh Rugby Union and Cardiff Blues enough, who have gone beyond the call of duty, in providing the support I received to help me get back on the field, for which I will be forever grateful.”
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‘An outstanding rugby player’
Warburton will be remembered as one of the most distinguished Lions captains of all time.
The back-rower guided the team to a stunning series victory against Australia in 2013 – the tourists’ first Test series win in 16 years – and, most recently, the series draw with the All Blacks.
He is one of only two players to captain the Home Nations team on more than one occasion, alongside English great Martin Johnson.
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“It is hugely disappointing that Sam has retired from the game,” said Wales coach Warren Gatland, who handed Warburton both the Wales and Lions captaincy.
“He is an outstanding rugby player and he has brought so much to the game on and off the pitch. His leadership, attitude and demeanor along with his performances have placed Sam up there as one of the best and most respected players in the world.”
Warburton, who led his country a record 49 times, is the youngest player ever to captain a side in a Rugby World Cup match, donning the armband aged 22 years and 341 days for Wales against South Africa in 2011.
The flanker spent his entire professional club career with Cardiff Blues, making 175 appearances, having made his debut for his hometown club in 2009.
Among his many achievements, he lifted the Amlin Challenge Cup in 2010, when the Blues became the first Welsh rugby team to win a European trophy, courtesy of a 28-21 victory against Toulon at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille.
“Since I first played aged 10 at Llanishen Fach Primary School, then Whitchurch High School and Rhiwbina Juniors RFC, I always dreamed of playing for my hometown club the Cardiff Blues, Wales and the British and Irish Lions,” said Warburton.
“To look back on my career, I’m extremely proud of what I managed to achieve.”
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Tributes
No sooner had the news of Warburton’s retirement broken, the tributes to his achievements poured in.
“A leader on the pitch, a gentleman off it,” posted the official Lions Twitter account. “Thank You Sam Warburton for the incredible memories!”
“Amazing contribution by one of the true Six Nations greats. Inspirational Wales Captain,” posted the Six Nations account. “All the best Sam Warburton.”
“Great Player who inspired a generation,” said Welsh rugby club Aberavon RFC, calling him the “ultimate professional.”
“Sad to hear of Sam Warburton’s retirement,” said former England player Brian Moore. “He can look back with immense pride on his career.”