Friendly: Leicester Tigers 21-17 Cardiff Blues

Sam Warburton has not been able to play for Cardiff Blues in pre-season before the Leicester game because of the row between the regions and the WRU

Wales captain Sam Warburton took the field for the first time in pre-season as Cardiff Blues lost at Leicester.

Blues have not played the flanker because of a "legally-binding agreement" that stopped regions picking players on a central contract.

But Warburton was cleared to play after the regions signed a new deal with the Welsh Rugby Union to end their dispute.

The 25-year-old was given 50 minutes before being replaced at Welford Road in a competitive friendly.

Three penalties from fly-half Freddie Burns saw Leicester come from 12-17 down to edge the win.

Tigers had led 12-0 after Robert Barbieri and Ben Youngs claimed tries, Burns converting the first.

But Blues hit back when Lloyd Williams crossed, before two Rhys Patchell penalties reduced the visitors' deficit to 11-12 at half-time.

A Patchell drop-goal and the fly-half's third penalty gave Blues the lead but Leicester fought back and Burns' boot did the rest.