Wales captain Sam Warburton is relishing a return to international action © Getty Images

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Wales captain Sam Warburton has talked up his side's chances of following up their outstanding Rugby World Cup campaign with victory in this year's Six Nations.

Warburton, who own World Cup ended in dramatic fashion with a red card during his side's semi-final loss to France, is relishing a return to competitive international action and firmly believes that Wales can lay claim to the northern hemisphere crown for the first time since they clinched a Grand Slam in 2008.

"I can't wait for it," the 23-year-old flanker told the Western Mail ahead of Wales' opener against Ireland in Dublin on February 5. "I've only been involved in two Six Nations campaigns and I loved both of them.

"This year is a good one because we have got three home games and every game at the Millennium Stadium is fantastic. So I'm really looking forward to the championship and I think we have got a good chance.

"I don't think it's being arrogant by saying we want to win it. I am sure most teams are saying the same thing. If we do want to become the top nation in the world, then winning the Six Nations should be a realistic target. All the players definitely want to be part of a winning Six Nations Championship. I'm yet to be part of one of those, so I'd love to experience that."

Warburton took over as captain from the injured Matthew Rees ahead of their World Cup assault but coach Warren Gatland has yet to confirm that he will continue as skipper for the Six Nations. "I've had no indication what's going to happen," said Warburton. "Matthew was captain for the last Six Nations campaign and did a brilliant job. It was only bad luck why he didn't end up being captain for the World Cup. If I did it as a temporary thing I could completely understand that."