Gareth Bale leads social media tributes to schoolmate Warburton

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale joined the tributes to Wales great Sam Warburton, who called time on his career on Wednesday.

Warburton had been expected to return from knee and neck surgery but was unable to fully recover, instead opting to retire from rugby after a glittering career with Cardiff Blues, Wales and the British and Irish Lions.

And Madrid winger Bale, who went to the same Cardiff school as Warburton, sent a supportive message on Twitter.

“Congratulations on an incredible career, mate,” Bale wrote. “Good luck for everything in the future. #welshlegend”

Congratulations on an incredible career mate. Good luck for everything in the future @samwarburton_ #welshlegend pic.twitter.com/QZknUjV28m

— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) July 18, 2018

Scott Williams, Warburton’s Wales team-mate, also posted a tribute to the 29-year-old.

“Devastated with the news,” he said. “Absolute legend of the game and unbelievable career. Proud to have played under you! Half decent bloke, too.”

Devastated with the news @samwarburton_ absolute legend of the game and unbelievable career. Proud to have played under you! Half decent bloke too 😝 👏🏼👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/wiEYZF5yr8

— Scott Williams (@ScottWilliams_1) July 18, 2018

Veteran star James Hook added: “Congratulations Warby! A barnstorming career to be proud of, pal. Pleasure to take the field with you.”

Congratulations Warby! A barnstorming career to be proud of pal. Pleasure to take the field with you @samwarburton_ 👏👏👏 https://t.co/zYJ6xVnGu8

— James William Hook (@hookjameshook) July 18, 2018

Stuart Barnes chipped in: “Congratulations and commiserations to Sam Warburton on his illustrious career but sadly premature retirement. Wales are not left short of either leaders or sevens.

Congratulations and commiserations to Sam Warburton on his illustrious career but sadly premature retirement. Wales are not left short of either leaders or sevens. #samwarburton

— Stuart Barnes (@SBarnesRugby) July 18, 2018

Warburton was highly respected outside of Wales, too, and a number of opponents – including Ireland and South Africa – chimed in via the teams’ official accounts.

Congratulations @samwarburton_ on a wonderful career. Tough competitor, top bloke. We'll miss seeing you in @AVIVAStadium All the best for the future. pic.twitter.com/jDCGYrCXpB

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) July 18, 2018

Congrats on a stellar career @samwarburton_ – we've had some memorable Test battles against you in recent years. You can be proud of your achievements, best wishes on your retirement. A sad day as @cardiff_blues @WelshRugbyUnion and @lionsofficial greet a giant of the game. pic.twitter.com/mFV3104JwP

— Springboks (@Springboks) July 18, 2018