Sam Warburton announces the retirement of his 29-year-old rugby union | sport

Sam Warburton, captain of the British and Irish Lions for the last two tours, confirmed his immediate retirement from all forms of rugby

The announcement of the shock gave a huge blow to Wales before the World Cup next year. head coach Warren Gatland without one of his best players for the tournament in Japan.

Warburton led the Lions in a 1-1 historic draw in New Zealand last year but missed the entire 2017-18 season due to injuries. He underwent a neck and knee surgery in order to regain his fitness, and recently he returned to the Cardiff Blues training, but the 29-year-old decided that he could not return to his best form. 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, "said Warburton. "My body is unable to give back what I had hoped for when I got back to training, I can not thank enough the Welsh Rugby Union and Cardiff Blues. call of duty by providing the support that I have received to help me return to the field for which I will be forever grateful.

"Since I played 10 years at the & # 39; 39, Llanishen Fach Primary School and Rhiwbina Juniors, I've always dreamed of playing for my local club, Cardiff Blues, Wales and the British & Irish Lions. To return to my career, I am extremely proud of what I have achieved. There are so many people who have helped me along the way teachers, coaches, friends and family. Thank you very much for supporting my dreams and aspirations. I hope that they will also be proud of my career.

"I would like to make a special mention of Warren Gatland: Without the faith that he had in me and his unwavering support, I would never have had a career that I could pursue."

Winning 74 selections in Wales and five for Lions, Warburton led his country to a record 49 times. He will become one of the best Welsh players in history and bow with a sparkling resume that includes Wales at the Grand Slam and the glory of the Six Nations, as well as two-a-side Rugby World Cups.

Gatland, who coached Warburton not "He is an outstanding rugby player and he has brought a lot to football on and off the pitch," added Gatland. . "His leadership, attitude, behavior and performance have placed Sam among the best and most respected in the world, finishing with a record he should be extremely proud of and looking back on his career with great pride."