Welsh Rugby
Warburton claims rugby writers' award
ESPNscrum Staff
January 10, 2012
Wales flanker Sam Warburton on the charge, Wales v Fiji, Rugby World Cup, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton, New Zealand, October 2, 2011
Sam Warburton led Wales with distinction at the World Cup © Getty Images
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Players/Officials: Richard Parks | Sam Warburton
Teams: Wales

Wales captain Sam Warburton has won the rugby union writers' club personality of the year award for 2011.

Warburton edged out World Cup-winning New Zealand coach Graham Henry in the RUWC poll to claim the Pat Marshall Memorial Award. Other nominees included France captain Thierry Dusautoir and Warburton's Wales team-mate Shane Williams, but the night belonged to Warburton who was praised for his fine leadership in last year's World Cup.

"Sam has had an exemplary year, leading Wales with great dignity, marking himself out as one of the leading candidates to captain the Lions in 2013," RUWC chairman Paul Morgan said.

"He's a worthy recipient of the Pat Marshall Trophy, just beating Graham Henry in a poll of rugby media. He joins an illustrious list of winners."

Warburton, the youngest captain at the World Cup, led Wales to their best finish since 1987. The 23-year-old flanker also won admirers for the dignity he displayed upon being sent-off in the semi-final loss to France

Former Wales international Richard Parks won the RUWC's special award for the year for his efforts to raise £1million for the Marie Curie Cancer Care by climbing the highest peak in each of the world's seven continents.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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