Rugby Union - International Rugby - Bet Now at Bet365
Sam Warburton has been ruled out for four months with the hamstring tear he suffered in the second British & Irish Lions Test against Australia.
His club Cardiff Blues confirmed on Friday the Wales captain will undergo a 12-16 week period of rehabilitation to recover from the injury which forced him to miss the third and series-winning Test against Australia in Sydney.
It means the 24-year-old is a serious doubt for his country's January Test internationals against South Africa, Argentina, Tonga and Australia at the Millennium Stadium.
The openside flanker's participation in the Cardiff Blues' early-season Heineken Cup and Pro 12 matches is also now in doubt.
Cardiff Blues head of medical John Miles told the club's website: "Sam suffered a grade three tear to his left hamstring in the second Lions test against Australia on the 29th of January.
"He has had a scan with specialists in London on Thursday which has shown the injury is already healing.
"He therefore does not need surgery but will require a period of rehabilitation between 12 to 16 weeks from the date of the injury.
"His rehabilitation will focus on range of motion, flexibility and specific strengthening of the hamstring in order for him to return to full health."
Warburton became the first series-winning Lions captain for 16 years when Warren Gatland's side conquered the Wallabies in a 2-1 series victory earlier this month.
Cardiff Blues are quoted17.00in the RaboDirect Pro 12 Grand Grand Final winner market and Wales are available to back at3.00in the RBS 6 Nations 2025 outright winner betting.
View all Rugby Union betting at Bet365
