British & Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton admits missing this summer’s final test match was a tough blow – but he can’t have too many complaints.
Warburton led Warren Gatland’s Lions for each of the first two matches of this year’s successful series against Australia.
The flanker, who had just captained Wales to a second consecutive Six Nations title, revealed playing for the Lions was a fulfillment of a lifelong ambition.
But being forced to sit out of the decider, in which the Lions cruised to a 41-16 win, through injury was a bitter pill to swallow.
“At the time I was quite disappointed,” he told Sky Sports.
“In the three biggest events I've been involved in as a player – the 2011 world cup I couldn't finish because of the red card, the Grand Slam in 2012 was injury plagued for me and I went off at half-time and to then not finish the Lions tour in the third Test – I was just desperate to finish one of them.
“In hindsight now, if someone had told me that I would play four games at No 7, all as captain, I would have loved that and it is a good achievement, but I guess you always want more.
“It was a dream come true. Being presented with my first Test jersey, the No 7, by Ian McGeechan was a highlight for me.
“He spoke very well and it really put into perspective what playing for the Lions meant. I took the jersey back to my room and laid it out on the bed so I could see the No 7 that I had worked so hard for, for so long.”
