Share

Injury sidelines Warburton

Cardiff - British & Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton has been ruled out until at least October with a hamstring tear, his club Cardiff Blues said on Friday.

The 24-year-old, who is also Wales captain, faces a race against time to be fit for his country's November internationals.

Warburton picked up the injury on the Lions' successful tour to Australia, suffering the tear in the latter stages of the second Test defeat in Melbourne.

And now the Blues' medical chief John Miles says he will need a lengthy recovery period.

"Sam suffered a grade three tear to his left hamstring in the second Lions Test against Australia on the 29th of June," he said.

"He has had a scan with specialists in London yesterday (Thursday) which has shown the injury is already healing.

"He therefore does not need surgery but will require a period of rehabilitation between 12 to 16 weeks from the date of the injury."

Warburton will miss the opening rounds of Celtic League matches as well as Cardiff's first two European Cup encounters.

The openside flanker could also miss Wales' November Tests against South Africa, Argentina, Tonga and Australia, depending on the length of his recovery process.

If it takes nearer 12 weeks, he could be available to coach Warren Gatland, but if he needs the full 16 weeks, he is like to miss all four Tests.


We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2251 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE