Cardiff Blues, Wales and British & Irish Lion flanker Sam Warburton, OBE, on Wednesday called time on his illustrious rugby career.
Capped 74 times by Wales and a further five by the British & Irish Lions, Warburton led his country for a record 49 times.
Classed as one of rugby’s modern greats, the 29-year-old’s final match was the Lions’ Test draw against the All Blacks in June 2017.
Following the series in New Zealand, Warburton has been working to recover from neck and knee surgery and returned to training in earnest this summer.
Since returning to pre-season with Cardiff Blues it has become clear to Warburton that he wouldn’t be able to return to the high standards he has set throughout his career and has reluctantly made the decision to retire.
He bows out with a glittering CV that includes leading Wales to Grand Slam and Six Nations glory as well as to two Rugby World Cups.
"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.
"I cannot thank the Welsh Rugby Union and Cardiff Blues enough, who have gone beyond the call of duty, in providing the support I received to help me get back on the field, for which I will be forever grateful.
"I would like the make special mention of Warren Gatland. Without the faith he had in me and his unwavering support I would never have had the career I was able to pursue.
"To all the many fans, with whom I’ve shared some fantastic memories with, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for all your support.
"As one chapter finishes, another begins, which I’ll enter with the same level of passion and determination as the last."
Warburton will go down in history as the most successful British & Irish Lions captains of all time.
Last year he became only the second man to captain the Lions on two tours as he led the famous touring team to New Zealand, repeating the honour he first undertook in 2013 in Australia.
Under his leadership, the Lions claimed a first Test series victory in 16 years when the beat Australia and four years later in 2017 he once again led the Lions as they earned a historic series draw against World Champions New Zealand.
He has spent his entire professional career with Cardiff Blues, making his debut for his hometown region in April 2009.
Just two months later, in June 2009 he made his international debut against the USA in Chicago and in 2010 he was part of the Blues side that won the European Challenge Cup.
Following the series in New Zealand, Warburton underwent neck surgery on an ongoing injury followed by proactive knee surgery earlier this year.
Since trying to return to full fitness Warburton has been unable to reach the heights he desires and has made the decision to retire.
Richard Holland, Chief Executive Officer of the Cardiff Blues said: "We are obviously disappointed to lose a player of Sam’s calibre but we entirely understand and respect his decision.
"Sam was desperate to get back onto the pitch and to give back to Cardiff Blues but he has contributed an immense amount to the entire organisation during the 10 years he has been here.
"He is a true great of the game and we wish him all the very best for life after rugby."
Warren Gatland who handed Warburton the Wales and British & Irish Lions captaincy said:
"It is hugely disappointing that Sam has retired from the game. 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 finishes with a record that he should be extremely proud of and should look back on his career with huge pride."