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Warren Gatland has described Sam Warburton as "one of the best and most respected players" in the world after his retirement Game.
The former Welsh captain and two-time British skipper and Irish Warburton left the professional rugby arena at the age of 29.
His decision – 14 months before the start of the Wales campaign in Japan – comes after his neck and knee operations leaving last year.
Flanker Warburton, who led the Lions on tours in Australia in 2013 and New Zealand last summer, has not played since the All Blacks' third test, 12 months ago .
Gatland, who named Warburton as Welsh skipper in 2011 and led the two Lions tours with the New Zealand coach, paid him a heartfelt tribute.
"He is an outstanding rugby player and he has brought a lot to the game, on and off the pitch," said Gatland.
"His leadership, attitude, behavior and performance have made Sam one of the best and most respected in the world."
"He finishes with a record of which he should be extremely proud."
Warburton's announcement was published jointly by the Welsh Rugby Union and his regional Cardiff Blues team.
He said: "Unfortunately, after a long period of rest and rehabilitation, the decision to retire from rugby was taken with my health and well-being as a priority because my body is unable to give back what I had hoped to my return to workout. "
Warburton won 74 caps and
Although injuries have hit his career hard, they have not prevented him from establishing his reputation as one of the best flankers in the world. , with critical and fearless work in the clearing zone that proves his force majeure.
He returned to training with the Blues this summer after missing all of last season, but has now made the decision to call it a day.
The declaration of the WRU and Blues was as follows: "Since returning to pre-season with Cardiff Blues, Warburton has understood that he would not be able to return to the high standards that he had established throughout his career and reluctantly made the decision to retire. "
Warburton added:" I will never thank enough the Welsh Rugby Union and Cardiff Blues, who went above and beyond in providing the support I received to help me get back on the land, for which I will be eternally grateful.
"Since I first played at Llanishen Fach Elementary School, Whitchurch High School and Rhiwbina Juniors RFC, I've always dreamed of playing for the Lions of Cardiff, Wales and British and Irish Lions
"To look back on my career, I am extremely proud of what I have achieved.
" There are so many people who I have helped en route teachers, coaches, friends and family.
"I would like to make a special mention of Warren Gatland without the trust that he had in me and his unwavering support, I would never have had the career I could pursue. "
Warburton took Martin Johnson, captain of the England team, captain of the Lions on two separate tours. He has never lost a series of tests, surpbading Australia 2-1 then pulling out the series last year with The All Blacks.
He also led Wales to the semifinals of the 2011 World Cup – he was controversial in the last clash against France – and although Warburton leaves a big void in the camp from Wales, Gatland can console himself. He has offered opening talents to players like Justin Tipuric, James Davies, Josh Navidi and Ellis Jenkins.
WRU Executive Director Martyn Phillips paid tribute to Warburton saying, "Sam has left the jersey in a better place than I know most, if not all, Welsh players have won. [19659002] "The way Sam was led as captain of Wales and Lions was exemplary.
"Even the way he made this extraordinarily hard decision demonstrates the quality of leader he has become." 1965 "" Sam has had a remarkable influence on the field for Wales, and will have a remarkable influence on the field.
Wales State Secretary, Alun Cairns, said: "Few athletes convey the attributes of performance, character and resilience that Sam Warburton has exemplified."
"He is now rightfully in the lineage of world rugby legends, and will always be considered the Welsh rugby player par excellence."
Belfast Telegraph
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