Gareth Bale leads social media tributes to schoolmate Warburton
Real Madrid star Gareth Bale joined the tributes to Wales great Sam Warburton, who called time on his career on Wednesday.
Warburton had been expected to return from knee and neck surgery but was unable to fully recover, instead opting to retire from rugby after a glittering career with Cardiff Blues, Wales and the British and Irish Lions.
And Madrid winger Bale, who went to the same Cardiff school as Warburton, sent a supportive message on Twitter.
"Congratulations on an incredible career, mate," Bale wrote. "Good luck for everything in the future. #welshlegend"
Scott Williams, Warburton's Wales team-mate, also posted a tribute to the 29-year-old.
"Devastated with the news," he said. "Absolute legend of the game and unbelievable career. Proud to have played under you! Half decent bloke, too."
Veteran star James Hook added: "Congratulations Warby! A barnstorming career to be proud of, pal. Pleasure to take the field with you."
Stuart Barnes chipped in: "Congratulations and commiserations to Sam Warburton on his illustrious career but sadly premature retirement. Wales are not left short of either leaders or sevens.
Warburton was highly respected outside of Wales, too, and a number of opponents - including Ireland and South Africa - chimed in via the teams' official accounts.
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A potential 5th star for Leinster and redemption adter losing 2 tight finals against La Rochelle against Toulouse and the chance for Jacques Nienaber to have some success without Rassie Erasmus running the show.
Go to commentsThanks Nick, and welcome back 😁 Vulavalu does look better this year, and about time. I suspect Schmidt will knock the hubris out of him. That one handed put down was so embarrassing. Mind you, I had thought Kiss would deal with that. Leaving aside the different games and skills, in NRL he had a very good (but no bullshit) type of coach in Bellamy, something he hasn't had in Union until this year. Bellamy would have roasted him unmercifully for an unprofessional put down.
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