FITNESS BOOST FOR SCARLETS

Scarlets have received a boost ahead of the new season with a number of key squad players likely to return to action in time for the 2014-15 campaign after surgery and long-term injuries.
Wales internationals Rhys Priestland and Emyr Phillips and 44 times capped Scottish international John Barclay are all expected to return to full fitness in time for the start of the 2014-15 PRO12 season in September after receiving treatment towards the end of last season.

As the squad returns to Parc y Scarlets for pre-season training Scarlets Head of Medical Andrew Walker gives an update on the player injuries.

Flanker John Barclay is six weeks post elected surgery on his shoulder with strengthening work underway and going well. Barclay is back running and is expected to participate fully in pre-season training with the squad from early August and is expected to make a full recovery in time for the start of the 2014-15 season.

Hooker Emyr Phillips needed shoulder surgery after an injury sustained in the region's home victory over Zebre in April. Phillips will return to full pre-season training next week.

Centre Adam Warren underwent elected shoulder surgery and returns to full pre-season training next week.

Scarlets Head of Medical Andrew Walker said: "Both Emyr and Adam have progressed really well and have built up great strength during their rehabilitation. They will both remain non-contact until we're happy that they're ready. John is also doing particularly well and we expect him to return for the start of the season.”

Outside half Rhys Priestland required surgery on a knee injury sustained in Scarlets' last game of the season against Cardiff Blues.

Walker added: "Rhys is now five weeks post operation and he's already back on the bike. He's increasing strength around his knee and also increasing calf strength due to his previous Achilles injury. We will look to run Rhys in two weeks time and expect him fit for the start of the season.”

Second row George Earle returned to pre-season training last week from summer break and was experiencing some discomfort in his ankle.

Walker went on to say: "George came back in last week and was still experiencing some discomfort from an injury sustained towards the back end of the season. He has a ruptured tendon in his ankle and underwent elected surgery on Tuesday.

"He's expected to be out for 8-10 weeks but will be fit for the start of the 2014-15 season.

Centre Scott Williams will return to full contact training towards the end of July following an extended summer recovery programme but is also expected to make a return for the start of the season.