Welsh Rugby
Warburton blow rocks Wales
Scrum.com
June 7, 2010
Wales flanker Sam Warburton carries the ball forward, Wales v Australia, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, November 28, 2009
Sam Warburton has been ruled out of Wales' tour to New Zealand © Getty Images
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Sam Warburton has become the latest player to be ruled out of Wales' tour of New Zealand after fracturing his jaw in Saturday's defeat to South Africa in Cardiff.

The Cardiff Blues openside was one of the stand-out performers against the Springboks and his development had been pegged as a major bonus for the squad as they prepare for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

With his regional team-mate Martyn Williams rested from the tour, the No.7 jersey will now likely pass to Dragons flanker Gavin Thomas or Scarlets youngster Rob McCusker for the opening Test against the All Blacks on June 19. Ospreys lock Ian Gough has been added to the tour squad.

"A scan after the game has revealed a fracture to Sam's jaw which will prevent him from playing for at least a four-week period," Wales team physiotherapist Mark Davies said. "He picked up the injury in the first half but was able to continue to play a part in the game and actually made no mention of it himself until after the final whistle, later on a closer inspection has obviously revealed the full extent of the problem."

Warburton joins a growing injury list which already contains wing Shane Williams, prop Gethin Jenkins, flanker Andy Powell, lock Luke Charteris, centre Tom Shanklin and scrum-half Dwayne Peel, who has been rested.

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