Warren Gatland appoints Sam Warburton as captain of Wales – Rugby World Cup 2011
Wales' national rugby union team’s head coach, Warren Gatland, has announced the Cardiff Blues flanker, Sam Warburton, as captain of the side for their upcoming encounters against the England.
As part of the 2011 Rugby World Cup (RWC) pre-world cup preparations, Wales will play two games against their rivals, England, and a game against Argentina before departing for New Zealand for the latest World Cup campaign.
Providing further details, Gatland confirmed the injury to Wales and announced captain Matthew Rees had helped Warburton to have the honours to lead the team. Earlier, Rees sustained an injury to his neck.
Gatland said, “Matthew's had a bit of a neck problem for a few weeks. He's getting injections today and we're hopeful he will be alright in the next week or two.”
Gatland further added that if there are no visible signs of recovery from the injury, then surgery will be performed at sometime after the 2011 RWC.
Gatland expressed his confidence that Rees will recover from the injury, through the injections. He said, “There is a bit of nerve pressure and we're hopeful the injections will help. It is mainly affecting him when he is trying
to sleep. If he doesn't improve and it gets worse there is always that risk (he may miss World Cup) but we're hoping there will be a significant improvement in the pain he is experiencing.”
Gatland has expressed his disappointment on the unavailability of the Rees for the warm up game. However, he has expressed that Sam will rise to the occasions and deliver a good performance in the games. He added, “I think
Sam did a good job as captain against the Barbarians and he will do it this week.”
Glamorgan born, Sam Warburton made his international debut for Wales in 2009. He played his first game in Wales' colours against the USA Eagles on June 6, 2009 at Chicago. He has so far played 15 international games for Wales and scored a try.
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