Wales
Warburton: Wales players interested in coming home
ESPN Staff
October 21, 2014
Sam Warburton says there are Welsh players who "like the idea" of coming back from France © Getty Images
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Sam Warburton believes some players will return to playing in Wales from France because the treatment is "second to none".

Cardiff Blues flanker Warburton missed his country's summer tour to South Africa with a shoulder injury, but will return to lead the side against Australia in two weeks' time.

And, as one of the first players to sign one of rugby's new 'dual contracts' that ties a player to both the Welsh Rugby Union and his region, Warburton is confident others will return to do the same.

"Some of the boys are loving it in France and everybody's motivation is different, but there are definitely players who like the idea of putting a cap on the number of fixtures they play," Warburton told The Times.

"It's good for your body and good for you mentally, you're not overplayed and the medical treatment you'll get [in Wales] is second to none, which I don't think is always the case in France. It won't happen with a click of the fingers, but now the contracts have been sorted out there will be some players interested in coming home."

Warburton's contract means he can play up to 16 games in a season, plus any knockout matches, for his region. He will not play in Cardiff's European Challenge Cup at Rovigo on Saturday, allowing three weeks of preparation ahead of Wales' match against Australia.

It is one of the main reasons Wales head coach Warren Gatland, who has £3.3 million to spend on the dual contracts, is keen to bring as many players as he can back from France. Racing Metro flanker Dan Lydiate is believed to be keen on a return.

But Warburton remains focused on the showdown with Australia. With the two sides in the same pool for next year's World Cup and Wales on a run of just three wins in seven games in 2014.

"The World Cup is still a long way away and lots could change," Warburton added. "But that record is there for everyone to see and it would be good for us to put an end to it against Australia."

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