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So as long as the Welsh Rugby Union and the Regions remain at loggerheads, Sam Warburton, Wales captain, Lions captain, cannot play rugby for Cardiff Blues.

Which begs the question, where can he play?

The WRU have declined to comment on what, if any, contingency plan they have in place to prevent Warburton – an employee of theirs after his signing of a central contract – from having to endure a prolonged spell of inactivity if this dispute drags on.

As yet, it's just the Blues' Friday night friendly against Exeter that Warburton must sit out.

But with no concrete signs of an end to the political impasse, the concern is that the player's exclusion could extend to a period that would have a detrimental impact on his progress this coming season.

Warburton is likely to be fairly relaxed about the affair right now, given that the region's Guinness Pro12 campaign doesn't begin until the first weekend in September.

It's worth noting though that it's only a matter of weeks before the Blues will have to name their squad for European Challenge Cup duty. What then, if Warburton is still frozen out?

The bottom line is that if there is no off-field resolution, there will come a time when he simply has to play rugby somewhere. So what are the options?

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1. A peace deal

This will be the No.1 preference for obvious reasons. If the two warring sides can bring an end to their stand-off then the Blues and the WRU can move immediately to rubber-stamp Warburton's loan to the Arms Park side.

When he signed his central contract, Warburton never envisaged doing anything else. He was assured his preferred avenue would open up in good time. Though to some degree, with the off-field dispute still raging, it was a gamble.

However, most would surely view him playing for the Blues this coming term as the common sense scenario.

2. England

Even though this is in our list of options, it's actually not an option...if you get the drift? While the Welsh regions have entered into a strict agreement not to play centrally contracted players, so Premier Rugby Limited, the governing body of the Aviva Premiership clubs, has the same rule.

Even if it was meant to apply to anyone centrally contracted by the RFU when it was drawn up, it would also prevent Warburton from crossing the Severn Bridge and playing in the English top flight.

Could he join the other Welshies at Bristol, who are in the English Championship? No. They are also PRL shareholders and so subject to the same restrictions as the Premiership.

3. France

Should the boardroom shenanigans continue, this would appear the likeliest escape route for Warburton.

He was heavily linked with a move across the English Channel before he signed his central contract, and his representative Derwyn Jones has excellent links to the Top 14 having put James Hook with Perpignan, Dan Lydiate with Racing Metro and Ian Evans with Toulon, though the latter's move actually fell through.

There may be the prospect of some short-term deal being done to tide Warburton over up to the November international matches, and the kudos of securing the Lions skipper may well appeal to a cash-rich entity like Toulon.

But it would be far from ideal for Warburton personally. He’s just married, is settled in Cardiff and committed to playing his rugby here. It would be upheaval he could do without, and how much commitment would he realistically feel to a temporary employer?

Any French club is also likely to want its pound of flesh. There will be far less opportunity for Warburton to look after his frequently battered body.

(Image: Joe Giddens/PA Wire)

4. Ireland

A short jaunt across the Irish Sea also seems a distinct possibility, if it comes to it.

Whether there would be any interest from one of the four Irish provinces remains to be seen, but given the penchant of Leinster and Munster especially for resting their top stars for Guinness Pro12 matches, the chance to utilise someone of Warburton’s calibre may be attractive.

Yet the sight of Warburton on duty for, say Munster, against one of the Welsh regions on a rainy night in Limerick? Let's just say it's hard to envisage.

5. The Welsh Premiership

Of course, if none of the regions will play Warburton and there is a desire to keep him in Wales, the semi-professional tier here is always an option.

With the greatest respect though, there would be legitimate concerns about whether good purpose would be served in pursuing this.

Yes it would expose Warburton to the match scenarios all players need, but it's not a standard that would adequately get him up to speed for Test rugby.

Warburton spent some of his formative years in senior rugby at Glamorgan Wanderers. For him to return to that sort of environment now, when he is in his prime, would frankly be ridiculous.

(Image: Huw Evans Agency)

6. Scotland

Sure, if the will was there north of the border, a handful of games with Glasgow or Edinburgh would be helpful.

But it's far-fetched if we're being honest.

Would Warburton fancy being exiled to Scottish provinces that struggle to set pulses racing among their own populations never mind a passionate Welshman?

You can't see it. You can't see it for a moment.

7. The southern hemisphere

Their season stretches into October so technically Warburton could get a game for a team in the ITM Cup in New Zealand or the Vodacom Cup in South Africa.

But logistically it would make no sense. It's a non-starter.