Boss Phil Davies has revealed that back row star Sam Warburton is set for his comeback when Cardiff Blues face Leinster at the RDS on Friday night (kick-off 7.35pm).

The inspirational Wales international flanker, 24, has not played since June when he tore a hamstring during second Test of the British & Irish Lions’ 2-1 series win in Australia.

However, Warburton has now been declared fit and is eager to make his mark in the RaboDirect PRO12.

Director of Rugby Davies said: “He was knocking the door down to play which is fantastic.

“Sam wants to play and he has done a phenomenal job, along with the physios and medical department, to get back so soon.

“He is five weeks ahead of schedule and that is down to his diligence and also the work of the team here.

“We have got to make sure the 22 people around him deliver with him. It’s important the people around Sam perform. I know he will, there is no doubt of that, and it’s vital that the 22 perform too.

“We will put a lot of emotion into the performance and also some control and skill, which I think we have shown in the first three games,” he added.

“What was missing last Friday was emotion; it won’t be missing this Friday and that is for sure.

“We are going to play the champions at their own ground – if you can’t look forward to that then there is something wrong with you.

“We are a proud bunch of players and we want to go out and perform in Ireland.”