SCARLETS HEAD COACH Wayne Pivac says that Wales star Leigh Halfpenny will resume training with his country after a three-month-long lay-off due to concussion.

The 30-year-old has not played since suffering concussion during the Test win over Australia on 10 November. He was ruled out of the opening rounds of the Six Nations Championship in mid January as symptoms persisted.

Wales’ next match is a home clash with fellow unbeaten side England on 23 February and the fullback has come through full contact in training with his region before re-joining Warren Gatland’s squad.

“It’s great to see him running around with a smile on his face,” said Pivac, report Wales Online.

“To do full contact he has got to be symptom-free and Leigh has been symptom-free.

“He trained with us last Thursday and Friday and yesterday he did everything, full contact, full tackling. We had a mini-game scenario with no hiding places and he was taking high balls, getting clattered and did everything he needed to do.”

Gatland’s options are further boosted by Rhys Patchell’s return to fitness after hamstring trouble. Should either back require match minutes under their belt before pivotal meeting in Cardiff, they could be released by Wales and travel for Saturday’s Pro14 match against Benetton.

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