Scarlets’ backline will be bolstered this weekend as they take on table-toppers Munster at Parc y Scarlets with the return of Wales and British & Irish Lions centre Jonathan Davies.
Sidelined through injury since November, apart from 40 minutes of regional action in the LV= Cup earlier this month, Davies will make a welcome return to Scarlets action against table-toppers Munster on Saturday evening.
A welcome boost for coaches and supporters alike, Davies returns at a crucial time for the Scarlets with the campaign to reach the top four and the play-offs in its ascendancy.
Scarlets Head Coach Simon Easterby said: “Jon’s contributed really well in training this week. It’s good to have him around, he adds quality into the playing squad but he’s also a very experienced player in terms of what he’s done in the game.”
At only 25 years of age Davies is not only one of the most experienced players in the backline but is one of the squad’s most senior players bringing invaluable leadership qualities to the group, Easterby went on to say: “I think other players are starting to accept some responsibility within the group but Jon clearly has the right now to voice his opinion and when he does it makes players respond.”
As Wales prepare to take on England at Twickenham Davies will be hoping to get some game time and match fitness under his belt. Easterby added: “He worked really hard to get himself fit to potentially make the start of the 6 Nations tournament.
“Following medical advice we were happy to play him against London Irish and despite coming through that initial forty minutes of rugby it’s good that he took a break and didn’t try to keep on going.
“Jon accepted that you’ve got to get it right before coming back and he’s in a better place now.”
Scarlets take on Munster at Parc y Scarlets on Saturday 1st March, kick-off 6.30pm in the RaboDirect PRO12.
Emyr Phillips, Samson Lee and Rhodri Williams have also been released back to the Scarlets ahead of this weekend’s clash.
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