Injury ravaged.

Lions captain Sam Warburton is considering taking a year long sabbatical from rugby before retiring at the age of just 31 due to concerns over his long-term wellbeing according to a report by Sportsmail.

The report suggests that Warburton has held talks with Wales about his injury management after recently undergoing his sixth surgery of his career. His latest neck injury was the 20th serious knock of his eight-year Test career.

Gatland apparently wants Warburton to skipper Wales at the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, a tournament that could end up being his swan song from rugby.

“I definitely know I am not going to play until my mid-thirties. Players who started at my age don’t, unless you are pretty fortunate.” Warburton told Sportsmail.

A sabbatical apparently isn’t set in stone, but talks continue.