Leicester 21-17 Cardiff
'Delighted' Warburton back in action
ESPN Staff
August 30, 2014
Sam Warburton issues instructions during the pre-season friendly in Leicester © Getty Images
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Sam Warburton returned to action on Friday night after a five-month lay-off caused by a dislocated shoulder he picked up during last season's Six Nations. He lasted 50 minutes as Cardiff Blues were beaten 21-17 by Leicester at Welford Road.

"It's been five months out so I'm delighted to be back ... I felt like a dog let off the leash," he said. "In the dressing room I was pumped up and couldn't wait to get back out there and make some tackles. It was great to be back out on the pitch with the Blues and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

"I was pleased on a personal level. The first game back is always difficult, from a timing perspective at the breakdown, but I got a turnover and some of the work in the tackle was good. My contribution in the ruck area too was pleasing, I got through some work so I'm happy."

Wales prop Adam Jones also featured for the Blues following his move from the Ospreys.

It was a decent game where Leicester scored the early points before Cardiff turned things around to lead 17-12 at the time of Warburton's exit. But three penalties from Freddie Burns - a summer signing from Gloucester - gave victory to the home team.

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