10/04/2025 02:25
Sam Warburton has sensationally stepped down from his position on the Cardiff Rugby board, according to The Times—the very paper where he pens his own column.
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Why did Warburton quit?
The former Wales and Lions captain reportedly left the role two weeks ago to focus on building his media career and expanding his fitness brand, SW7. His exit appears to be a personal decision, not one linked to the club's worsening financial situation.
Cardiff's crisis deepens
Warburton's departure comes at a turbulent time for Cardiff Rugby, who officially entered administration this week. With the Welsh Rugby Union now poised to step in and take control, the entire board—Warburton's old colleagues—could soon be out the door.
Warburton’s second stint ends quietly
Warburton had been a key voice at the top since August 2023, having previously taken on a short-lived gig as a rugby advisor. His influence behind the scenes was seen as a major win for Cardiff at the time.
What happens next for Cardiff?
With PricewaterhouseCoopers believed to be handling the administration process, Cardiff's future is now hanging in the balance. The WRU are working on a deal, but whether fresh investors will eventually return the historic club to private ownership remains to be seen.
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Dan Biggar names bold Lions XV – with big England omissions
Wales legend Dan Biggar has officially called time on his playing career, but not before dropping a blockbuster British & Irish Lions XV on The Rugby Pod – and his picks are bound to raise a few eyebrows.
The 112-cap fly-half, who steered Wales through some of their finest Six Nations and World Cup moments, appeared on Jim Hamilton's podcast this week and revealed his Lions dream team. Spoiler alert: there’s no room for the likes of Owen Farrell, Johnny Sexton, or even himself.
Here's how Biggar's team shaped up…
Front-row firepower: Porter, Sheehan & Furlong
1. Andrew Porter
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
It's an all-Irish affair in the front row, with Biggar backing Leinster’s dominant trio to boss the scrum. Furlong remains the Rolls-Royce of tightheads, while Sheehan and Porter provide dynamism in the loose.
Big boys in the boiler room: Itoje & Beirne
4. Maro Itoje
5. Tadhg Beirne
England's Maro Itoje gets the nod despite some inconsistent recent form, with Biggar clearly still valuing his disruptive brilliance. He's paired with the ever-reliable Beirne – a turnover machine and Lions Test starter in 2021.
Breakdown beasts: Curry, Van Der Flier & Doris (c)
6. Tom Curry
7. Josh van der Flier
8. Caelan Doris (captain)
This back row is pure chaos – in the best possible way. England's Tom Curry returns to the fray, Ireland's Van der Flier adds World Player of the Year pedigree, and Doris, who's fast becoming a modern-day great, takes the armband. A fearless choice.
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The post No One Saw This Coming – Sam Warburton Resigns With Immediate Effect appeared first on Ruck.
