Sam Warburton is widely regarded as one of the finest openside flankers of his generation. He made his professional debut with Cardiff Blues, quickly establishing himself as a key player before becoming captain of Wales. Warburton led Wales to back-to-back Six Nations Championships in 2012 and 2013, including a Grand Slam in 2012. He also captained Wales at the 2011 Rugby World Cup, where they reached the semi-finals. Warburton earned 74 caps for Wales and, at just 24 years old, became the youngest-ever captain of the British & Irish Lions in 2013. He went on to captain the Lions again in New Zealand in 2017, becoming one of the most recognised leaders in Welsh and British & Irish rugby.