| Venue: Stadio Monigo, Treviso Date: Saturday, October 1 Time: 17:15 BST |
| Coverage: Live on S4C or BBC iPlayer. Highlights and match reports on the BBC Sport app and website. Highlights from Scrum V, Sunday on BBC Two Wales, and online at 18:20 BST later on demand |
When the Scarlets travel to Benetton this Saturday, Leigh Halfpenny from Wales and Ken Owens from Ireland could be back for Scarlets.
Owens returned from a back issue and was featured in the second-tier Welsh Premiership of Carmarthen Quins.
Dwayne Peel, Scarlets boss, said that “he’s back in our mix.”
Halfpenny is also in the mix, as he has been out of contention since July 2021 after sustaining a knee injury while playing for Wales.
Owens was last seen playing for Scarlets in October 2021 against Leinster.
Owens was selected to play in the opening autumn international between Wales and New Zealand in October 2021. However, he pulled out of that match with a back problem. He has not played since.
Last weekend Owens played 40 minutes Quins fell against Swansea. Shaun Evans, another Scarlets hooker is also back in contention.
Ryan Elias has taken Owens’ place as Scarlets’ and Wales first-choice hooker. Ospreys’ Dewi lake is now a strong impact option off the bench.
Peel said that Wales supports Johnny McNicholl, and Steff Evans are “close” to returning.
McNicholl was hit in the head during their opening match of the United Rugby Championship (URC), on 17 September.
Peel stated that Johnny McNicholl was back in contention. Leigh has been in training, Ken Owens has been in training. They are close to being available or in contention.
“It’s great to see those guys back on field, especially Johnny. I think he was disappointed with the head knock against Ospreys. He’s looking forward now to another big season.
