Fit-again back row Harrison Keddie could be set for a playing return in the Guinness PRO14 clash with Zebre Rugby this Saturday in Italy (kick-off 5pm UK time).
Keddie did not feature in the league opener away at Munster after picking up a sternum injury in the pre-season Celtic Cup fixture with Cardiff Blues A.
However, the dynamic forward has now returned to full training to give the squad a boost before they jet to Italy.
“It is a real positive with Keddie - he is definitely in the mix,” said Backs Coach Barry Maddocks.
“His ball carrying ability and the energy he brings on the field is exceptional, and he is an exceptionally good leader for us who leads by example. He will travel to Italy.”
While Keddie is set to push for a starting spot, Maddocks revealed the squad was set for trio of late fitness calls with winger Ashton Hewitt having had 14 stitches in deep cut sustained in the Munster defeat.
“Ashton had a really nasty cut right underneath the nose. He has been stitched but it will be a sore area if he does play,” said Maddocks.
“He has gone to make a tackle and a boot has come up and caught him. It was totally accidental, but it is pretty nasty one.
“Jack (Dixon) went off with an injury at Munster so we are looking after him at the moment and he is making decent progress.
“Hopefully he will be involved this week, so positive news in that sense.
“Ollie (Griffiths) is similar and he is touch and go. We’ve kept them off their feet because the turnaround is pretty quick, with us leaving tomorrow (Wednesday)
“The three are in the mix today, but we have to monitor the next 24 hours and make calls.”
His ball carrying ability and the energy he brings on the field is exceptional... he will travel to Italy...
