Warburton ‘left in limbo’ by participation deal dispute

Wales captain Sam Warburton has been left in limbo in terms of his club rugby as the dispute between the WRU and regions continues.

Warburton signed a central contract with the WRU over the summer. But as the regions have a policy of not fielding centrally contracted players, he can’t be selected for the Cardiff Blues until a new participation agreement has been struck between the regions and the WRU.

The Blues play Exeter in their penultimate pre-season friendly on Friday. Warburton has recovered from the shoulder injury that put him out of action last season, but the Blue have confirmed that they can’t pick him.