WALES skipper Sam Warburton expects it to be business as usual with Cardiff Blues next season despite being on a central contract.

The 25-year-old penned a deal with the Welsh Rugby Union at the start of the year and intends to carry on playing at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park.

The Welsh regions currently unwilling to play centrally contracted players but that is likely to change when they finally agree a fresh participation agreement with the governing body.

And the openside flanker, who is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury, is looking forward to a return to the field with his region.

“I'm just going to carry on as normal with the Cardiff Blues which is what I always wanted,” Warburton told the BBC.

“For me the WRU might manage my game time, but other than that only the name on the payslip changes - I'll just continue as normal,” he continued.

"From the second I put pen to paper on my central contract I've just carried on as normal. I've had my email saying when I'm going to be back in pre-season.

"I've got my head around that already and I'm just going to carry on as normal with the Cardiff Blues which is what I always wanted."

Warburton, who skippered the Lions to glory last summer, will reflect on his career to date and will also field questions from the floor at The Parkway Hotel and Spa on Friday, June 13.

The Pride of Wales event starts at 7.30pm and there will be a three-course dinner, raffle and auction.

Tables of 10 costs £500 and there will be a number of individual tickets for £50. There are also a number of platinum tables, which have prime location, available for £750.

For more information go to theeventsroom.co.uk or call 0845 108 5690