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Sam Warburton has announced his retirement from rugby with immediate effect. The news comes as a major surprise to the rugby world. One of the leading figures in the sport, the two-time British & Irish Lions captain and Wales captain since 2011 steps away from the game at the age of 29.
Warburton’s uncompromising approach to the game saw his career heavily marked with injuries. The flanker did not make an appearance for the Cardiff Blues during the 2017-18 season, opting to sit out the campaign in its entirety due to damage sustained on the 2017 Lions tour. It was hoped that knee and neck surgeries would allow him to continue through the 2019 World Cup.
His last match was the third test in the Lions series draw against New Zealand last year, with his final game for Wales the Six Nations defeat at the Stade de France in March 2017. All told Warburton’s test career spanned eight years with 74 caps for Wales and 5 test appearances for the Lions, all as captain.
The Americas hold a special place in Warburton’s career. He made his test debut as a replacement against the Eagles at Chicago’s Toyota Park in June 2009. He would never again play against the USA but faced Argentina on three occasions and Uruguay once, during the 2015 World Cup.
