Sam Warburton haunted by series draw

British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton says he will be dealing with his side’s series draw with New Zealand for the rest of his life.

“I think I’ll always be disappointed with the result, disappointed that we didn’t win,” Warburton told The Times.

“It sounds so spoilt to say that because at home everybody’s perception of the Lions tour has been brilliant, but my mindset from the moment I was picked was that I wanted to be enjoying my time off in the summer having been a Lions winner in New Zealand.”

The 29-year-old flanker is yet to play again after drawing the third test and series at Eden Park last July.

“That was what I wanted on my rugby CV for the rest of my life. Even after we lost the first test I still thought it was going to happen. I am going to be forever disappointed because I am never going to do that again.”

Warburton, who hasn’t played again thanks to ongoing neck and knee surgeries, said that he was far from fully fit during the Lions’ six week tour of New Zealand.

The Welsh international gave insight into just how beaten up he was, saying that towards the end of the series he was only operating at about 70% and had strapping on both ankles, both knees, both shoulders and an elbow along with his wrists and fingers.