Wales gets another setback as Sam Warburton doubtful for Australia – Rugby News update
Sam Warburton, who plays in the back-row for Wales and is currently the captain of the Welsh rugby team, is doubtful for the tour of Australia, which gets underway from June 9, 2012. This is a major setback for Wales, who are already missing their coach,
Warren Gatland, as he fractured both his ankles.
Wales announced Rob Howley as the care-taker coach for the tour of Australia, and now Warburton who announced that he will not play for his club side, the Cardiff Blues this season, needs to find a replacement for the rising international star.
Warburton has still not given up hopes of going to Australia and is keen to play some part in the tour. "I still hope to go to Australia, of course, I do," Warburton told
Wales Online. "I'm going to London next week to see a specialist. Hopefully he will give me the all clear and it will be just a few more weeks before I can return.”
Warburton injured himself during a game against France in March, and he has not played once during that time. He was hoping to be back for the Blues before the end of the season but his hopes were dashed. He said, "I did really want to get back for the Blues
and I believed I owed them a bit for being away with the national squad. It's unfortunate timing really and I won't be able to play for the rest of the season.”
There are other concerns for Wales as well. Jonathan Davies is another player whose inclusion for the tour is in doubt, while Jamie Roberts has already confirmed that he will not be going. Hence, Rob Howley will need to make use of the squad that is available
to him, insisting that he is looking forward to giving a 100% on the tour and is keen to ensure that Wales find a winning combination.
Sam Warburton, who made his Cardiff debut against Edinburgh in 2009 will be missed by Wales, especially for his on-field contributions and leadership abilities.
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