Warburton could return pre-Lions tour

It hinges on the success of Cardiff Blues, but British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton could return from injury before the tour to New Zealand.

Warburton is working his way back from a knee injury picked up in April, which originially ruled him out for six weeks.

The Blues are in the hunt to make the Champions Cup qualifier play-offs, the battle for the 20th spot in next season’s Champions Cup, but would require to win first a semi-final against either a PRO12 or Premiership opponent before the final on May 26.

The Lions depart the following week, leaving the door open for Warburton to return if the Blues make it to that stage.

“It is a possibility but there is quite a long way to go,” Wilson told the BBC.

“If he were to play, it would be a final, if we made a final.

“Sam will continue with his rehab and as I say all the time, it is a bit of a cop-out, it is about ticking the relevant boxes as we go.”