Warburton returns for Blues

Wales’ World Cup captain Sam Warburton will make his return from suspension in Cardiff Blues’ Heineken Cup opener against Racing Metro.

The 23-year-old has been out of action since being sent off in the semi-final defeat to France for a tip tackle on Vincent Clerc, for which he was handed a three-week ban.

But unsurprisingly Blues’ coaches Gareth Baber and Justin Burnell have elected to name Warburton in their side at the earliest possible opportunity, ahead of Friday’s testing Pool Two clash in Paris.

Other World Cup stars making a first appearance of the season for the Blues, following the postponement of last weekend’s RaboDirect Pro12 meeting with the Newport Gwent Dragons, include centre Jamie Roberts, scrum-half Lloyd Williams, lock Bradley Davies and prop Gethin Jenkins.

Forwards coach Burnell said in a Blues’ media release: “The Welsh players have come back from a very successful campaign and they showed they are some of the best players in the world.

“Physically and mentally they are ready for the Heineken Cup.”

Full-back Leigh Halfpenny and high-profile recruit Gavin Henson are among those unavailable due to injury.