On this day in 2018: Sam Warburton announces retirement

Back in 2018, Wales and British & Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton shocked the rugby world by announcing his retirement from the game at the age of just 29. 

After 74 caps for his country and two tours (yielding a total of 5 tests) for the Lions, it was the physical toll of the modern game which finally pushed Warburton to call time on his career. 

BREAKING: @samwarburton_ has announced his retirement from the game. He led Wales for a record 49 times in his 74 appearances.
#ThanksWarby pic.twitter.com/BOCahUsJ6O

— Welsh Rugby Union 🏉 (@WelshRugbyUnion) July 18, 2018

He had picked up a number of significant injuries – including neck and knee – during his career and thought the wise course of action would be to take himself out of harm’s way. 

“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,” he said.