Warburton chasing pre-season return with Cardiff Blues

The Wales captain has been forced to watch Blues' RaboDirect PRO12 season run-in from the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder on international duty in March.

Indeed it has proved to be a frustrating campaign for Warburton, with shoulder and hamstring complaints restricting him to just four league appearances this season, the last of which came in the 27-20 loss to Glasgow Warriors in February.

But with the team regrouping over the summer for pre-season, the openside flanker does not intend to be far behind, even enlisting the help of his twin brother Ben for his recovery.

"The rehabilitation's been really good," said Warburton. "My twin brother Ben is my physiotherapist for this period which has worked out really well for me. We can be honest with each other.

"I'm hoping to get the all-clear in July sometime. It's pretty relaxed to be honest because there's no game to chase to come back for.

"All I'm chasing really is to try and get as much pre-season in as soon as possible.

"So I think after 12 weeks I can pretty much do full conditioning with the coaches.

"I think the Blues get back together in June, so hopefully I can get a good two and a half months under my belt and go into September feeling strong and fit."

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