The flanker, who scored his first international try against Italy in the 2011 RBS 6 Nations, was set to be out of action for four months after suffering a severe hamstring tear during the British & Irish Lions' second Test against Australia at the end of June.

His participation in Wales’ autumn internationals against South Africa, Argentina, Tonga and Australia in November was, as a consequence, in serious doubt.

But the 24-year-old has fought back to fitness and will make his comeback for Cardiff Blues against Leinster on Friday night.And Wales scrum-half Williams, who has witnessed Warburton’s battle to recover, claims both club and country will benefit.

"Sam has been working very hard," Williams told Wales Online. "He is a very determined guy and he's great to have among the squad.

"We all see what he does off the pitch and now we will see him do it on the field this Friday.

"Sam is fantastic at the breakdown, so hopefully it will mean clean ball for me and we can do something with it as backs."