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Warburton: Wales squad 'right behind' Matthew Rees

Wales captain Sam Warburton says players are keen to show their support for former captain Matthew Rees as they prepare to face Argentina tomorrow.

We spoke as a squad about how to show our support and recognise what Matthew is going through and we felt putting a symbol on the jersey would be a good idea to show we are right behind him.

The idea was a purple smiley face. The purple to represent the testicular cancer charities and the smiley face to represent Matthew as we know him – Smiler.

For me personally he has been a great support in my career and hopefully in a small way this shows how we feel.

– Sam Warburton, Wales Captain
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Wales to wear 'Smiler' symbol

Wales to wear 'Smiler' logo in support of former captain

Former captain Matthew Rees - known as 'Smiler' - is undergoing treatment for testicular cancer Credit: David Jones/PA Wire

The Wales rugby side will wear a special symbol on the sleeves of their jerseys this weekend in support of former captain Matthew Rees, who is battling testicular cancer.

The Cardiff Blues hooker, known as 'Smiler', is taking time away from the game as he undergoes treatment.

The Wales squad, which is gearing up to face Argentina tomorrow, will wear a purple smiley face symbol in recognition of Rees' nickname and testicular cancer charities.

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Wales to wear 'Smiler' symbol

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Rees to undergo further medical treatment

Cardiff Blues have tonight confirmed that hooker Matthew Rees is to undergo further medical treatment at Velindre Hospital, as he targets a return to rugby. It was announced last month that Blues and Wales star Rees was to take an enforced spell away from the game.

Cardiff Blues have today confirmed that club captain Matthew Rees is to undergo further medical treatment that will extend his time away from the game. Matthew has asked the region to pass on his sincere gratitude for the many messages he has received from well-wishers over the last two weeks and to thank the media for respecting his privacy at this time.The region will continue to support Matthew and his family in every way possible throughout this period and we look forward to his return to rugby in the future.

– Cardiff Blues

Cardiff Blues captain Rees to undergo testicular surgery

Cardiff Blues have wished Matthew Rees "a speedy recovery" and said they "look forward to seeing him back in action in the future", after it was announced he will have testicular surgery.

The 32-year-old hooker joined the club from the Scarlets in the summer, and was made Blues captain.

He led the region to a shock victory over Heineken Cup holders Toulon at the weekend.

Matthew Rees is a former Wales captain, and has skippered Cardiff Blues this season. Credit: PA

The Blues say he will miss Friday's game away at Ulster, as he takes an "enforced spell away from rugby."

Rees has won 58 caps for Wales, and played for the Lions in South Africa in 2009.

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Rees to have testicular surgery