Nationality: Welsh

Date of Birth: 5 October 1988 (26)

Height: 6ft 2in

Weight: 15st 8lbs

Team: Cardiff Blues

Warburton started his career at the Glamorgan Wanderers, moving to the Cardiff Blues in 2008. He featured as a replacement to help the Blues win the Amlin Challenge Cup in 2010.

Within a year of starting at the Blues, Warburton made his Test debut as a flanker against the USA in 2009. His first starting game came soon after, against Samoa in the autumn Internationals that year.

Warburton went from strength to strength playing in the 2010 and 2011 Six Nations and becoming the youngest Welsh captain ever at the 2011 World Cup. Warburton was awarded the role of skipper after Matthew Rees dropped out for a neck operation. Although the team were knocked out at the semi-final stage, Warburton proved he is capable of leading a team at Test level.

Warburton’s performance at the World Cup led to him being selected as captain for Wales’ Six Nations team in 2012. The team went on to win the tournament and claim the Grand Slam title. The team retained their title in 2013, also with Warburton at the helm. He has since led the team in the 2014 and 2015 Six Nations albeit with less glittering results.

In the summer of 2013, Warburton was selected to captain the British & Irish Lions team. The first Welsh captain since 1977, he led the team in two of the three Tests, playing an important role in the series victory in Australia.

Known for his dedication and focus, Warburton leads from the front as captain, setting an example of discipline and hard work at openside flanker. This has helped him achieve over 50 caps for Wales.