Sam Warburton announces retirement from rugby at age of 29 

Former Wales captain Sam Warburton has announced his retirement from rugby at the age of 29.  

The announcement was made in a joint statement by the Welsh Rugby Union and Warburton’s regional team Cardiff Blues on Wednesday.

Warburton said: ‘Unfortunately, after a long period of rest and rehabilitation the decision to retire from rugby has been made with my health and well-being as a priority as my body is unable to give me back what I had hoped for on my return to training.’

Former Wales captain Sam Warburton has announced his retirement from rugby at 29

The flanker won 74 caps for his country since making his debut in 2009, captaining the side a record 49 times.

He had missed the entirety of the 2017-18 season following neck and knee surgery and the WRU and Blues statement read: ‘Since returning to pre-season with Cardiff Blues, it has become clear to Warburton that he wouldn’t be able to return to the high standards he has set throughout his career and has reluctantly made the decision to retire.’

Warburton added: ‘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.

Warburton captained the British and Irish Lions during their Test Series in both 2013 and 2017

He had been sidelined for the entirety of 2017-18 after undergoing neck and knee surgery

He had been sidelined for the entirety of 2017-18 after undergoing neck and knee surgery

‘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.

‘To look back on my career, I am extremely proud of what I managed to achieve.

‘There are so many people who helped me along the way from schoolteachers, coaches, friends and family. I thank you so much for supporting my dreams and aspirations. I hope they too can take some pride from my career.

‘I would like the make special mention of (Wales head coach) 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.

‘As one chapter finishes, another begins, which I will enter with the same level of passion and determination as the last.’ 

Warburton won the Grand Slam with Wales in 2012 and was capped 79 times for his country

Warburton won the Grand Slam with Wales back in 2012, before they defended their Six Nations crown the following season in 2013. 

As well as representing his country, Warburton captained the British and Irish Lions on two tours under coach Warren Gatland, playing in five Tests and leading them to a series victory in Australia, before drawing the 2017 edition in New Zealand.

He had been targeting a return to Gatland’s Wales side following 12 months of rehabilitation from the injuries that had prevented him from taking to the pitch since the Lions’ 15-15 draw with New Zealand in the final Test at Eden Park last summer.

Speaking to Sportsmail’s Nik Simon last month, Warburton said: ”The moment I can’t play at my best, I won’t play anymore. I can just throw the kitchen sink at it for two years and what will be, will be.’ 



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