Warburton set to miss 6 Nations

Sam Warburton is set to be out of action for 6 months & miss the 2018 6 Nations after undergoing "proactive" knee surgery. It was hoped Warburton would return to action this month for Cardiff Blues in preparation for the Welsh campaign in the 6 Nations. Warburton & WRU have chosen to take the procautions of having the surgery on his knee now and getting the British & Irish Lions captain 100% fit & ready for pre-season next year.

In a brief statement, Warburton said: “In close consultation with the WRU and Cardiff Blues we decided it would be proactive to have surgery now on a knee injury and I’m looking forward to returning to action fully fit."

After only recovering from a neck injury suffered during the Lions Tour in New Zealand, Warbuton has been hit with another setback which will see him out of action for a full season. Warren Gatland will look to Justin Tipuric as his stand in man at openside for the 6 Nations as it stands after the news broke this evening.