Wales monitor Williams return

Editor

Wales will keep a close eye on Liam Williams' fitness this weekend when the back plays for the Scarlets.

Williams re-injured his foot during the Rugby World Cup against Australia and has not played a game since.

Saturday's visit to Connacht with the Scarlets will be his first game in over three months but with Leigh Halfpenny ruled out of the tournament, Williams could have a major role to play for Wales if he proves his fitness.

"Liam Williams is likely to play for the Scarlets this weekend. If he comes through that then we'll have discussions about Ireland," assistant coach Neil Jenkins told the Six Nations website.

"I'm sure the regions will want some of their players back. We'll see how the next few days go and make an assessment from there. 

"(Gatland) will have a discssion with the players and their regions but Liam needs game time and Sam (Warburton) has stated he needs game time."

Jenkins added that other options at full-back included Gareth Anscombe, who himself has only just returned from a long injury lay-off for Cardiff Blues.

"We'd consider Liam as a 15. He's played exceptionally well for us at full-back and wing. With Leigh being injured I think he'd like to play 15," added Jenkins.

"Gareth [Anscombe] played well there too and we have Matthew Morgan and Hallam too so we have a lot of options."