An inspiration on and off the pitch, on the occasion of his 34th birthday, we look back at some memories of captain Sam Warburton on his Tours to Australia and New Zealand…
“I have the highest admiration for Sam. He’s been a real warrior for Wales and an inspiration for young players around the world.”
– Eddie Jones
“Great player, nice guy, fantastic ambassador for Wales and the game of rugby.”
– Jonathan Davies
“A true professional and leader. Proud to have played with you and honoured to call you my captain.”
– George North
“Proper hard competitor”
– Brian O’Driscoll
“One of the modern greats of rugby. But more importantly a genuine great man. One of Wales greatest Ambassadors on and off the field.”
– Nigel Owens
The British & Irish Lions celebrate the series win over Australia in 2013
Sam Warburton in the pool
Sam Warburton holds the trophy on the flight home from Australia
“He is an outstanding rugby player and he has brought so much to the game on and off the pitch. His leadership, attitude and demeanour along with his performances have placed Sam up there as one of the best and most respected players in the world. He finished with a record that he should be extremely proud of and should look back on his career with huge pride.”
-Warren Gatland
“You represented everything that is good in our game for the values you embodied on and off the pitch.”
– Scott Hastings
“A fantastic career, a fantastic player for club and country, and a fantastic leader for the Lions.”
– Doddie Weir
Sam Warburton shakes hands with New Zealand captain Kieran Read ahead of the British & Irish Lions’ second Test in 2017
“He was a real Test match animal as I liked to call him. You would want to go on the field and play for him.”
– Sir Ian McGeechan
The dressing room scene after the British & Irish Lions’ 13-7 victory over the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians in 2017
Sam Warburton scores against the Highlanders in 2017
“Sam was like a new breed of professional, very focused, very driven, just this really sound, good guy, which being a captain and leader has to be one of the most important things, especially in rugby.”
– Mike Phillips
