Life moves on, and rugby moves on even faster.
Sam Warburton was forced to retire from rugby, earlier this year, at the age of 29.
While many players hanging their boots up before 30 would be left with a sense of ‘what if’, the Welsh flanker retired having captained his country at two World Cups, won 79 Test caps, lifted the Six Nations title twice and led the Lions in 2013 and 2017 (securing a series win and draw).
Still, that doesn’t make leaving everything you know – and have worked so hard for – any easier.
Warburton was on BT Sports’ Rugby Tonight to talk about his future plans, stepping into the pundits’ role and being on the other side of the TV cameras this season, and beyond. His comments on the after-shocks of retiring were well considered and delivered.
“I didn’t want to make a big song and dance about it. I came home from training one day and I knew I had to tell my wife what I was thinking. The six months prior to that, I was adamant that I was coming back and I wanted to play for (Cardiff) Blues, [and the] World Cup. I knew deep down that was it.
“They said they’d announce it on the Wednesday at midday. That was perfect because I had a family wedding and I was off to Italy at 1pm.
“Even at [airport] security, it had only been out for five or 10 minutes… people were coming up to me offering congratulations or apologies. Then I’m on the big screen at Heathrow and I was like, ‘Oh my goodness’.”
Although he had a few days to process the fact that he was a former rugby player, Warburton can still recall how strange it felt to arrive at the Cardiff Blues training facilities to clear out his locker.
“Your boots are still in your spot in the changing room. I got the black bin-liner and [threw in] the boots, the wet-top, you know. And then you leave your slot and your name is still up there, where I’ve been getting changed for the last how many years. And then you get to your car.
“[But first] I had to speak to the boys. And you’d have your WhatsApp groups and all these things you’d be in. So I said, ‘Right boys, I’m going to leave the group now’.
“So I leave the WhatsApp group and I haven’t got 100 silly messages a day coming in from all the boys at the Blues.
“That, for me, was like, ‘Wow’. People don’t think of that stuff. That’s the bit people don’t tell you about. You’ve always been immersed with the boys for so long and then you’re out of that. That was weird.”
We heard, previously, from England scrum-half Danny Care that WhatsApp groups will often be set up for each Test match. If a player is dropped from the squad, or out injured, he either leaves the group or gets removed by one of the other lads.
At least you know where you stand….
Must watch! ⚠️
• The moment he knew it was over
• Clearing out the locker
• Leaving the Whatsapp group@samwarburton_ opens up on coming to terms with his retirement from the sport he loves. #RugbyTonight pic.twitter.com/xtEtL88Tn3— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) August 29, 2018
Definitely worth a watch.
Warburton will be part of the Premier Sports team for their coverage of this season’s Guinness PRO14. His Blues side will take on Leinster in their season opener on Friday night, a match that will be free-to-air on eir Sports and on the broadcaster’s social media and YouTube channels.
He’ll be missed as a player but should add great value and insight as a pundit and analyst.
