Jones and Parker set to return

Welsh flanker and centre both fit for pre-season friendlies

Wales internationals Dafydd Jones and Sonny Parker are set to make their comeback on Saturday after months of injury misery.

Scarlets flanker Jones has been sidelined since Wales' RBS 6 Nations victory over England in Cardiff last February, and Parker has rarely been fully fit during the last two years.

A pelvic problem ruled Jones out of Wales' remaining games as they raced to the Six Nations title and collected a Grand Slam this year.

"Dafydd has undergone a summer of intensive treatment, and he is now really eager to get back out on to the pitch," said Scarlets coach Nigel Davies to the Western Mail, ahead of tomorrow's friendly against an Army XV at Chepstow.

Jones will be joined in the Scarlets' new-look line-up by signings Mike Hercus, Clive Stuart-Smith, Regan King, Hottie Louw and Alix Popham.

Parker has been dogged by misfortune, including a thrice-broken arm, as well as shoulder, thumb and neck injuries. He returns to action tonight with the Ospreys against Wasps in the new Morfa Stadium in Swansea. He has revealed he considered quitting during his period out.

"The third time I broke my arm, I thought maybe I should just give it up," he said.

"I was really down. But there were guys at the time like Andrew Hore, Steve Hansen and Scott Johnson who just told me to fight through it and that they were there to back me up.

"They reminded me I was still young - and you just need someone to give you a little push like that.

"It's a new beginning for the Ospreys at the new stadium, which is just amazing, and it's a new beginning for me as well.

"The goal is to play for Wales again. In fairness to Tom (Shanklin), he does deserve the 13 jersey, but I'm going to be keeping him on his toes."

Scarlets coach Gareth Jenkins and the WRU have made peace after arguing over Jenkins' intention to bring foreign youngsters to Wales to fast-track them through the system for international status.

A jointly-issued statement said Scarlets chief Jenkins is fully on board with what the WRU trying to do.

"During a positive and constructive meeting, Gareth Jenkins clarified his views on the recruitment of foreign youngsters and the WRU accepted his explanation.," it read.

"Gareth confirmed his views are in line with the WRU's values and strategy for WRU regional academies to develop Welsh talent. The WRU is comfortable with the support of Gareth Jenkins and the Scarlets region in the pursuit of these strategies and in the development of emerging talent in Wales.

"The WRU will continue to work in partnership with the regions to deliver these strategies."

Welsh Rugby Union Chief Executive David Moffett will unveil a plaque to Vernon Pugh, who helped bring rugby into the professional era, at his former club, Cardiff HSOB, ten years to the day after his momentous speech laying the amateur days to rest..

Pugh, who dies in 2003 aged 57, will have his contribution to the game both in Wales and internationally recognised.

The plaque will feature his words which signified the end of amateurism in the sport.

These were: "Subsequent to the repeal of the amateur regulations, rugby will become an open game.

Mr Pugh, a Cambridge University graduate and barrister, who was also chairman of the WRU, became chairman of the IRB in 1998.