| The eighteen year old; who is studying A Levels at Whitchurch High School, has been selected for the accolade by the WRU Elite Performance Department after consistently producing impressive performances in the Principality Premiership last month. The youngster has been selected for the Wales U19 squad for the season who begin their preparations for the IRB 19 World Championships with a match against Ireland U19 at Stradey Park on Saturday February 17th 2007.
Warburton's performances, according to Wanderers Head Coach Richard Hodges have been a big factor in the side's improved results of late, with important wins over Bridgend, Bedwas and Maesteg over the past month lifting the Cardiff club to a mid-table position, Hodges said: "Sam is a member of the Blues Academy and was allocated to us at Glamorgan Wanderers this season. He is still a pupil at Whitchurch High School and having just turned eighteen, he has adapted to Principality Premiership rugby immeasurably well.
"We have had three key games over the past month; against Bridgend, Bedwas and Maesteg and Sam was man of the match in all three victories averaging twenty-three tackles a game. His work rate is immense and he has fitted in to our environment seamlessly.
"He is another example of the quality of player the Blues Academy is producing and the club wishes him all the best as he begins his Wales U19 international season next week."
Wales U19 Head coach and Blues Academy Manager Justin Burnell said: "Sam is one of the brightest prospects Welsh rugby has seen in a long time. From his attitude and commitment to his fitness tests and skills levels, he is a pleasure to work with."
Sam will receive £100 in a Principality Building Society account as a result of his performances.
Angela Hellier, Customer Service Consultant at the Whitchurch branch of Principality Building Society said: "Congratulations to Sam, a young player who shows great promise and could well grace the international stage in the future, on winning this award and to the team for their improved form recently. I wish them well for the rest of the season.
"Principality Building Society prides itself on being at the heart of the local community, much in the same way as rugby clubs, up and down the country. That's why the partnership between Principality Building Society and the Principality Premiership is so successful and we're delighted to be able to support our local heroes in this way."
The Wanderers' home game against Cardiff tomorrow (Saturday) will be refereed by New Zealand referee Steve Walsh.
Sam Warbuton
Born: 05/10/1988
Place of Birth: Cardiff
Club: Glamorgan Wanderers RFC
Position: Back Row / Flanker
Player most admired: Richie McCaw
Sportsman most admired: Lennox Lewis
Biggest impact on career: My family and the Blues Academy
Occupation: A Level student at Whitchurch High School, Cardiff
Unusual Fact: Has a twin brother, Ben who plays centre for the Blues U20 side and Whitchurch High School
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