With the rugby world reflecting on the career of Sam Warburton following his retirement, what better time to look back on the Welsh legend’s impact on the Six Nations.
The flanker made his debut in the Championship in February 2010 in a 31-24 victory over Scotland, making three appearances in total that season.
He has played in every Six Nations since, scoring three tries and leading his country to a historic Grand Slam triumph in 2012 and another title-winning campaign the following year.
We have put together a collection of pictures that tell the story of Warburton’s career in the Championship, including the highs and lows of the Welsh talisman.
Wales 19 Ireland 13 – Principality Stadium, 2011
Having made his first splash in the Championship the year before, Warburton played a significant role in the 2011 Six Nations and starred against Ireland in a gritty victory in Cardiff.
Ireland 21 Wales 23 – Aviva Stadium, 2012
Warburton became the youngest ever World Cup captain in 2011 and he retained the honour for the 2012 Six Nations, leading his side out in the opener against Ireland.
Wales 16 France 9 – Principality Stadium, 2012
Despite his Championship being disrupted by injury, Wales claimed the Grand Slam in the decider against France and Warburton lifted the trophy with one hand after hurting his shoulder.
Scotland 18 Wales 28 – BT Murrayfield, 2013
There were doubts surrounding Warburton heading into the 2013 Championship and questions over whether he deserved a place on the Lions tour, but he delivered a powerful reminder of his class with a stunning display on his return to the side.
Wales 30 England 3 – Principality Stadium, 2013
Fist pumps all round as Sam Warburton, George North and Wales celebrate back-to-back Six Nation triumphs after beating England 30-3 in the decider for the 2013 title.
Wales 23 Italy 15 – Principality Stadium, 2014
On the back of leading the Lions to first Test series win against Australia, Warburton comes on as substitute for defending champions Wales against Italy in the 2014 Six Nations.
Wales 27 France 6 – Principality Stadium, 2014
Warburton squeezes under Nicolas Mas to score one of his three tries for Wales over his playing career during a 27-6 win over France in the 2014 Championship.
Italy 20 Wales 61 – Stadio Olimpico, 2015
Racing away to score Wales’ seventh try against Italy. The 2015 Six Nations saw Warburton break the record held by Ryan Jones for most caps as Welsh captain.
Wales 19 France 10 – Principality Stadium, 2016
Celebrating with Alun Wyn Jones and the rest of his teammates after winning a penalty, Warburton ensured Wales ended the unbeaten start of Les Bleus – their fifth win over France in a row.
Scotland 29 Wales 13 – BT Murrayfield, 2017
Warburton, in the number six shirt, changes direction rapidly to tackle Scotland’s Ryan Wilson at Murrayfield in 2017. This would prove to be Warburton’s final Six Nations Championship.
