Sam Warburton is a familiar face in Cardiff but few could have expected his surprise appearance as a waterboy during Wales’ Guinness Six Nations clash with Italy on Saturday.
The former Wales and British & Irish Lions captain enjoyed a glittering international career, accumulating 74 caps for his county between 2009 and 2017 and lifting the Championship trophy in 2012 and 2013.
But he made a more unconventional appearance at the Principality Stadium on Saturday as Wales beat Italy 42-0, running on water for Wayne Pivac’s players during the closing stages of the first-half.
The 31-year-old currently works as a technical advisor in Pivac’s revamped coaching set-up, assisting at the breakdown and with defence as Wales vie to replicate their 2019 Grand Slam heroics.
And he is clearly also on hand to offer the players sustenance as well as advice, as he received a warm and vocal reception following his expected showing on the Cardiff pitch.
The former back rower promptly made a joke of the episode on Twitter, claiming that many in the Principality Stadium crowd may have mistaken him for current player and Saturday try-scorer George North.
And North himself demonstrated similar wit in his quick-fire response – something the 27-year-old has long been known for – as he rebutted Warburton’s insight and claimed that the two ‘never’ get mixed up.
Warburton clearly saw the funny side but on a more serious note, many Wales fans were quick to point out that the legend’s exploits could provide genuine benefits for Pivac’s side.
Some supporters quipped the role could enable him to share advice and offer insight in a way Pivac and other colleagues may not be able to do from up in the stands, facilitating mid-game tweaks that could serve Wales well throughout the Championship.
Regardless, the episode provided a nostalgic moment on the opening Guinness Six Nations weekend that gave a glimpse of a Championship legend and a fond, unexpected trip down memory lane.
