[ad_1]
British and Lions captain from Ireland, Sam Warburton, retired Rugby at the age of 29, announced a joint statement from the Welsh Rugby Union and Cardiff Blues.
The former Welsh skipper, who led the British and Irish Lions on tours in Australia in 2013 and New Zealand last summer, underwent neck and knee surgery. last year and has not played for 12 months. In New Zealand, Warburton underwent neck surgery following an ongoing injury, followed by a proactive knee operation early in the year. Since returning to form, Warburton has been unable to reach the desired heights and has made the decision to retire.
The announcement was made jointly by the Welsh Rugby Union and Warburton Cardiff Blues Regional Team. 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 me back what I had hoped for on my return at the training.
"I will never thank enough the Welsh Rugby Union and Cardiff Blues, who have gone beyond the call of duty, by providing the support I've received to help me return to the field, for which I will be forever grateful. "Since I first played at Llanishen Fach Elementary School, at Whitchurch High School and at Rhiwbina Juniors RFC, I I have always dreamed of playing for the Cardiff Blues, Wales and the British and Irish Lions. To look back on my career, I am extremely proud of what I have been able to do.
"There are so many people who have helped me along the way through teachers, coaches, friends and family. my dreams and aspirations, I hope that they will also be proud of my career.
"I would like Warren Gatland to be especially mentioned, without the faith that he had in me and his steadfast support, I would never have had the career I could pursue. [19659005] "Countless people work behind the scenes of professional rugby, but I want to thank the fantastic medical teams of both WRU and Cardiff Blues who have followed me throughout my career
" For my wonderful wife Rachel and my close family and friends who have endured the emotional roller coaster of professional rugby, i am so lucky to have such a fantastic support network and loving family to help me go through all the test time.
"Finally, to all the many fans, with whom I shared fantastic memories with, from the bottom of my heart, thank you very much for all of yours to provide a random hug in a supermarket, or simply offer words of support and encouragement, to hear an acclaim after my name was announced at the national stadium, you are what makes professional rugby so special and such a privilege. I have been an absolute pleasure to represent you all and an honor that I will miss cruelly.
"As one chapter ends, another begins, that I will enter with the same level of pbadion and determination as the last."
Warburton competed with Martin Johnson, captain of the winning team of the World Cup, in two consecutive seasons.
Under his leadership, the Lions won their first 16-year series victory by beating Australia.
He also led Wales to the semifinals of the 2011 World Cup – he was controversial in the last clash against France – with Gatland naming him Welsh skipper and leader of the Lions after leading the 39; Australia. and New Zealand as a coach.
Gatland said: "It is extremely disappointing that Sam has retired from the game, he is an outstanding rugby player and he has brought a lot to the game on and off the pitch." His leadership, attitude and demeanor and his performances have placed Sam among the best and most respected in the world, finishing with a record of which he should be extremely proud and should look back on his career with great pride.
"In a test career full of good times, one in particular stays in my mind. The Lions of New Zealand, in a finely balanced and potentially historic game, have been exemplary: the New Zealand media have been greatly impressed by it, and rightfully so
"I hope it's will be able to take the time to think about a wonderful career, and hope that he will get as much pleasure from everything that he will do after that he brought to the people of Wales and Wales. to the wider rugby public. "
BREAKING: @samwarburton_ announced his retirement from play. He led Wales for a record 49 times in his 74 appearances.
#ThanksWarby pic.twitter.com/BOCahUsJ6O– Welsh Rugby Union (@WelshRugbyUnion) July 18, 2018
Sad to hear about Sam Warburton's retirement, but he can look back with immense pride on his ca
– Brian Moore (@ brianmoore666) July 18, 2018
A leader on the ground, a gentleman. Thank you @samwarburton_ for the incredible memories! #ThanksWarby https://t.co/EMCqQmuUjr
– British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 18, 2018
Sad news. A fierce competitor through the years. Best wishes for the future, @samwarburton_ . https://t.co/IFg38I3Ybn
– Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) 18 July 2018
All the best @samwarburton_ for the future. A real big Welsh, and the world, rugby ? https://t.co/zURSJA0pAk
– Ospreys (@ospreys) July 18, 2018
Another young man gone. Sam Warburton has accumulated some money in a good career but at 29 he should have a lot more to give. Looks like too many players do not arrive at 30 these days
– Rúaidhrí O Connor (@RuaidhriOC) July 18, 2018
WRU General Manager Martyn Phillips, paid tribute to Warburton, saying: "Sam left the jersey in a better place, which is the goal I know most, if not all, the Welsh players have won
" The way Sam s & # 39; is led as captain of Wales and Lions "
" Even the way he made this extraordinarily hard decision demonstrates the quality of leader he has become.
"Sam has had a remarkable influence on the ground for Wales, and I suspect he will have a remarkable influence on the ground for many years to come. "
More to follow
Assemblers Online
[ad_2]
Source link
