Head Coach Dai Flanagan has revealed that all-action centre Sio Tomkinson is set for a playing comeback after a season of frustration.
Tomkinson has been out of action through injury since December and has been limited to six appearances this term for the Men of Gwent.
The 27-year-old is now back in full training and Flanagan has confirmed he is in the selection mix for the BKT United Rugby Championship clash with Benetton Rugby in Treviso this Saturday (kick-off 2pm UK).
“We are a bit healthier, and Sio is back fully and ready go to. Angus (O’Brien) probably could be selected this week, if not next,” said Flanagan.
“It has been difficult season for Sio. I’ve never had to have a selection conversation with him - if he is fit, he plays. Our task now is to keep him fit for the run-in and keep him firing for us.
“Sio has the power that can add to our game in attack. He gets us over gain line.
“I have high expectations for the likes of Harri Ackerman and Joe Westwood to be the future for us, but Sio also brings that steel when he makes reads out the back.
“We have got fantastic decision makers in defence in Steff Hughes and Aneurin Owen. Sio brings that power that when he hits he finishes things."
Meanwhile, Flanagan has revealed he will continue to manage his Welsh internationals after time away in the Six Nations.
He said: “Some of our players came out of the Six Nations with niggles and fronted right up for us in those last two games at home.
“There is some load management needed, but it is nice to have a selection headache.
“We feel healthy, and training has been much more competitive these last few days. It’s what good squads should be and keeping our best players fit.”
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