Sam Warburton will return to the Arms Park as an ambassador of the Cardiff Blues Community Foundation.
The former Cardiff Blues star was forced to hang up his boots at the start of the season after establishing himself as one of the game’s all-time greats.
On top of making 106 appearances for his home region, Warburton won two Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam, captained Wales a record 49 times and led the British & Irish Lions on two tours, in which he was undefeated in Test matches.
Since retiring, Warburton has become a regular television pundit and he will be at the forefront of the BBC’s Six Nations coverage but he has also taken on new duties with the Blues’ new foundation.
Warburton said: “I’m delighted to join the Cardiff Blues Community Foundation as an ambassador and looking forward to getting stuck in.
“I’m a Cardiff boy, who came through the Blues system and had a season ticket here growing up. I’ve obviously attended my fair share of rugby camps, community events and programmes over the years so I know what it’s all about and I’m hugely excited about all the initiatives and programmes being rolled out as part of the new foundation.
“I remain immensely passionate about Cardiff Blues and rugby, and hopefully I can use my experience and expertise for the betterment of the entire community.”
The Cardiff Blues Community Foundation was founded in July with the aim of using the power of sport to INSPIRE, ENGAGE and IMPROVE opportunities for all.
Now with a 11-strong team, the Community Foundation is continually growing with numerous programmes newly launched or expanded and several others in the pipeline.
Working in conjunction with the Welsh Rugby Union, commercial partners such as Land Rover, DS Smith and Renishaw, public sector bodies and third sector agencies, the foundation is at the heart of everyday life throughout the region with the strategic aim of using rugby to improve and support four main strands - health, education, employability and inclusion.
Community Foundation director Nadine Griffiths said: “It is brilliant to welcome Sam on board as an ambassador of the Community Foundation. He is obviously synonymous with Cardiff Blues from his playing days and to have someone of his stature part of our community team is hugely beneficial.
“We will continue to deliver a vast range of innovative programmes, utilising the Cardiff Blues brand, players, values and heritage to harness social good and make a positive impact in communities both socially and economically.
“We want to improve people’s lives irrespective of their age, ability and gender through our passion for sport and Sam will undoubtedly play a significant role in this.”
Board:
Richard Holland (Chairman)
Rhys Blumberg
Martyn Ryan
Kay Martin - CAVC Principal
Kristy John - Station Director Capital FM
Hywel Peterson - Board member NSPCC cymru
Sarah Hopkins - HR Director Wales & West