SAM WARBURTON HAS gone from favourite to captain the British and Irish Lions to just another name on a longlist of six that Warren Gatland has hidden away in a blazer.

The Welsh captain led his country to a World Cup semi-final in 2011 and bounced back from the disappointment of being sent-off in that game to lift the Six Nations trophy last March.

This Saturday he welcomes Ireland to the Millennium Stadium. The combination of a run of fitness and form could propel him back to the top of the list.

Here are some facts about the Welsh captain you may not know:

1. He was born three minutes ahead of his twin brother, Ben.
2. In 2007, Sam and Ben both received identical A Level results in their 3 subjects biology, chemistry and PE.
3. Sam’s great-grandfather, George Reed, played for Leeds United. The Warburton twins both had trials for Cardiff City FC.
4. The men of the Warburton family are massive Spurs fans. Sam’s parents own two dogs called Sheringham (after Teddy) and Poyet (Gus).
5. Sam was a centre-half on the same football team, at Whitchurch High School, as Gareth Bale.

Warburton has played Ireland four times since his international debut in June 2009. Each time he has started against the Irish he has emerged on the winning team.

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