Mitchell eyeing Wales recall

Mitchell, formerly of the Ospreys, returned to his homeland this summer following three years at Exeter Chiefs, who beat his new employers 24-17 in a pre-season friendly on Friday night.

He earned the last of his 15 Wales caps 14 months ago in a 23-8 defeat to Japan in Tokyo as a second-half replacement for Scott Andrews.

However, Mitchell hopes the chance for regular GUINNESS PRO12 action can see him provide competition to Adam Jones for the No.3 shirt once again.

"Wanting to play international rugby again was certainly was part of my thinking in coming back home," the 28-year-old told Wales Online.

"I have always said: 'who would turn down Wales?'.

"I want to get a bit of form back into my game and hopefully if I am playing well enough that should come.

"I'm 28 now and I hope these next few years could be my best."

A further barrier in Mitchell's way has been a spate of injury problems. However, he has revealed he is currently in peak condition.

"I have been pretty unlucky with injuries. It's been a bit difficult to take," he added.

"From bicep to pec to shoulder, you name it, I've done it.

"But I try not to dwell on it. It's one of those things. It's out of my way now and at the back of mind.

"It's a big positive that I have been able to stay injury free throughout pre-season. I'm feeling as fit as I did when I was playing for Wales.

"It's been my first proper pre-season in about three or four years and I'm feeling good."

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