Scarlets Squad Injury Update

Rugby reviews are being held with all the squad players, as well as progressing squad recruitment and development plans for next season and finalising pre-season training and conditioning programmes.

With a number of players released back to the Scarlets from Wales this week following injury assessments, Scarlets Head of Medical Andrew Walker gives an update on the player injuries within the squad ahead of the pre-season.

Back row Josh Turnbull has undergone bi-lateral shoulder surgery on a long-standing injury that he has been carrying, in a pre-planned operation ahead of the new season. The operation was said to have been successful and he will now recover over the next few weeks and then into rehabilitation with the Scarlets physiotherapy team with a target of joining training at the end of the pre-season in 12 weeks time.

Centre Scott Williams, who has this week been ruled out of the Japan Tour with Wales was assessed by a consultant the day after the Ulster game following his withdrawal from the field in the semi-final with a shoulder injury. His shoulder injury has been a long-standing one for the player and Wales supported the view that it would be best for Williams to have surgery at the earliest opportunity to alleviate the injury. Williams underwent surgery today (Fri) and will have a recovery and rehab period of around 12 weeks.

Full back Gareth Owen has undergone pre-planned surgery this week to remove screws from his knee as part of his previous surgery in order to help him with mobility in the long-term. He will be out of training and will recover over an eight-week period.

Hooker Ken Owens has been released back to the Scarlets to recover from a neck injury that was sustained in the Scarlets' semi-final against Ulster. He underwent three scans in Belfast to ensure that there were no serious implications. He will be assessed fully by the Scarlets next week to review his symptoms and start his rehabilitation process. He is hoped he will take a full part in pre-season training preparations.

Outside half Rhys Priestland will return to action in the pre-season after a period of rest and rehabilitation on his Achilles tendon. He felt soreness in his Achilles in the warm-up at the Ulster game and as a pre-caution was withdrawn from playing. Further investigations last weekend by a consultant recommended rest followed by strengthening of the Achilles through rehabilitation over the next eight weeks. This is not a fresh injury but is described as a "strain" of the tendon and is a commonplace symptom following surgery. He is expected to return to training in the pre-season.

Head of Medical Andy Walker said: "The important focus is to ensure that now we have a break from playing that we get on top of these injuries and treatment as early as possible. We want to give them as much time as possible in recovery during the off-season and in many cases some well-earned rest and the chance to get some full recovery and rehabilitation.

"Many of these players have not been able to benefit from a pre-season training and conditioning programme with their region due to rugby commitments over the summer. Players really benefit from a proper pre-season and it is important for player welfare throughout what is a very intense competitive season.

"All the operations have gone well and the players will be assessed in the coming weeks by our medical teams."