Jones will be available for the Scarlets' game in Connacht

Jones was banned for three weeks after getting a red card for stamping against Ulster at Ravenhill on 27 January.

It has been confirmed that the ban runs from the date of the sending off, not the date of his hearing on 31 January.

That means he is free to play at Connacht in the Celtic League on 18 February and push for a Wales place against Ireland the following week.

Jones had been set to take a place on the Wales bench against England last week before his suspension ruled him out.

Wales and Lions centre Gavin Henson is also due to return from a ban next week.

He will be available for the Ospreys' home Celtic League game with Borders next Friday.

Back-five forward Jonathan Thomas could also return for the west Glamorgan region in that game after missing the start of the Six Nations with a hamstring injury.

Wales coach Mike Ruddock will also keep a keen eye on the Dragons' home game with Leinster on 18 February.

Second-row Luke Charteris (shoulder) and utility back Ceri Sweeney (groin) could return from injury for the Gwent side, along with ex-Wales wing Gareth Wyatt (shoulder).

But long-term injury will continue to keep Gareth Cooper, Tom Shanklin, Brent Cockbain, Kevin Morgan, Iestyn Thomas, Ryan Jones and Chris Horsman out of the Wales squad.