Rugby
Warburton wins writers' award
2012-01-10 11:27
Cardiff - Wales' Rugby World Cup captain Sam Warburton has beaten tournament-winning coach Graham Henry to the Rugby Union Writers Club's personality of 2011.
According to the
BBC website, Cardiff Blues flank Warburton also beat retired Wales wing Shane Williams and France captain Thierry Dusautoir to the Pat Marshall Memorial Award.
Media members praised Warburton, who at 23 was the youngest captain at the tournament, for his dignified response to being sent off in the semi-final against France.
He led Wales in a tournament in which they secured their best finish since 1987, finishing fourth in New Zealand having been third in the inaugural tournament.
RUWC chairperson Paul Morgan said: "Sam has had an exemplary year, leading Wales with great dignity, marking himself out as one of the leading candidates to captain the (British and Irish) Lions in 2013."
The British and Irish Lions will tour Australia in 2013.