On this day in 2018: Sam Warburton announces retirement from rugby union

Former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton introduced his retirement from rugby union on at the present time in 2018 on account of accidents on the age of 29.

Warburton, whose announcement was launched collectively by the Welsh Rugby Union and his regional group Cardiff Blueshad undergone knee and neck surgical procedure the earlier 12 months.

He mentioned: “Sadly, after an extended interval of relaxation and rehabilitation, the choice to retire from rugby has been made with my well being and well-being as a precedence as my physique is unable to offer me again what I had hoped for on my return to coaching.”

Warburton is one among solely two gamers to have skippered the Lions on two separate excursions, emulating England’s Martin Johnson, and by no means misplaced a Take a look at sequence.

With Warburton as skipper, the Lions beat Australia 2-1 in 2013 and drew the 2017 sequence in opposition to New Zealand. He additionally led Wales to Six Nations glory twice, together with the 2012 Grand Slam.

The Cardiff-born flanker, whose remaining match was within the drawn third Take a look at in opposition to New Zealand at Eden Park in July 2017, additionally steered Wales to the 2011 World Cup semi-finals.

He captained his nation in 49 of his 74 appearances and led the Lions 5 occasions.

Regardless of an extended checklist of accidents all through his taking part in profession, Warburton was among the many world’s finest openside flankers, with fearless, vital work on the breakdown proving his main energy.

Present Wales head coach Warren Gatlandwho appointed Warburton as Wales skipper in 2011 and to steer each Lions excursions that the New Zealander was head coach of, led the tributes to Warburton.

“He’s an excellent rugby participant and he has introduced a lot to the sport, on and off the pitch,” Gatland mentioned.

“His management, perspective and manner, alongside together with his performances, have positioned Sam up there as among the finest and most revered gamers on this planet.”