Time for a change.

Sam Warburton is widely regarded as one of the finest rugby players of his generation, having scaled incredible heights in a glittering professional career that spanned over a decade.

The 29-year-old however, sadly was forced to hang up his boots ahead of the new season, after failing to recover from a long-list of injuries that have plagued him for large chunks of his career.

Warburton has captained Wales at the highest level, as well as the British and Irish Lions to a series victory in Australia, and a win over the All Blacks in 2017. So when he tells you change is needed – you better damn well listen.

The flanker reckons three very logical suggestions would go a long way to improving player welfare.

– 25 game limit per season.
– Less contact in training.
– More protection for the jackaller (the defensive player attempting to poach the ball).

Sounds pretty reasonable if you ask us. It’s time the authorities listened. How many more premature retirements do we have to go through before they do?